A HVAC system that’s well-maintained can use much less energy than one that is not. Routinely having your HVAC system serviced can improve performance and help save you money in energy costs. Thankfully, there’s even more you can do to increase your property’s energy efficiency. Here are some painless actions you can take take to improve your Florissant home.
- Close up any leaks around your windows and doors. Even small gaps can let heat or cool air disappear from your house. Add caulk or weatherstripping every place you find leaks.
- Use your windows. If it’s cooler at night, turn off your air conditioning and open the windows. In the morning, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to keep the cooler air in and to avoid heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is normally connected to keeping your home comfortable in the cold season, but it also helps you out in the warmer season. Heat is constantly looking for cooler spaces—like your home. Sufficient insulation keeps heat from passing 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.
- Check to see your ducts are properly sealed to stop air leaks and insulate them if needed. You’re losing valuable heated or cooled air if your ducts have leaks. Tightly sealing and insulating ducts is even more crucial 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 simple. You can automatically adjust your temperature when you’re not at home 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. You might feel like it will cool your home faster, but the time it takes to cool won’t be affected. You’ll only cost yourself more in energy.
- Make your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. To help keep your cooling bill inexpensive, make sure the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is as little as possible. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% each year 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 in conjunction 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 placing lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances around your thermostat, it can cause your air conditioner to run for too long 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 & B Heating & Cooling for an evaluation. It could be time to replace it with ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment that can lower 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 & B Heating & Cooling at 314-325-7552. 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.