A HVAC system that’s well-maintained can use lower energy amounts than one that is not. Consistently having your HVAC system serviced can improve efficiency and help save you money in energy costs. Fortunately, there’s even more you can do to better your property’s energy efficiency. Here are some simple actions you can take take to improve your Safford home.
- Seal any leaks around your windows and doors. Even small gaps can let heat or cool air disappear from your house. Add caulk or weatherstripping wherever you find leaks.
- Use your windows. If it’s cooler when the sun goes down, turn off your AC and open the windows. In the morning, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to catch the cooler air and to prevent heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is normally equated with keeping your home cozy in the colder months, but it also helps you out in the warmer season. Heat is constantly looking for cooler places—like your rooms. Sufficient insulation stops heat from going through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air proceeds easier through your home when your ducts are uncluttered. That makes your air conditioner’s job simpler.
- Ensure your ducts are properly sealed to block air leaks and insulate them if necessary. You’re losing valuable heated or cooled air if your ducts have leaks. Correctly sealing and insulating ducts is even more vital if they are in the attic, a vented crawlspace or any other unconditioned area.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats make managing your home comfort and efficiency easy. You can automatically move your temperature when you’re out and about or when you’re sleeping while avoiding discomfort because your home’s temperature will go to normal when needed.
- If you choose not to use a programmable thermostat, avoid setting your thermostat at a chillier setting when you turn on your air conditioner. It might seem it will cool your home quicker, but the time it takes to cool won’t be affected. You’ll just cost yourself more in energy.
- Make your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. To help keep your cooling bill down, make sure the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is as close as possible. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% annually on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7° to 10°F from its usual setting for eight hours a day. Using a ceiling fan together with your air conditioner can let you raise your thermostat a little more. You can raise your setting by about 4°F without changing your comfort.
- Limit heat-generating appliances near your thermostat. If you’re leaving lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances near your thermostat, it can cause your air conditioner to run for an extended time because it senses heat from these appliances and thinks your home needs cooling.
- Invest in new, energy-efficient equipment. If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping up with your home-comfort needs, call B&D Air Conditioning for an assessment. It might be time to replace it with ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment that can reduce your annual energy bill by more than $115, according to energystar.gov.
If you’re interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency, call B&D Air Conditioning at 928-432-6018. Our team can help you think about solutions, energy-efficient equipment or schedule a regular maintenance appointment. You can also schedule your appointment online using our online scheduler.