A HVAC system that’s well-managed can use lower energy amounts than one that is not. Routinely 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 house’s energy efficiency. Here are some painless things you can do take to improve your Temple/Belton home.
- Secure any leaks around your windows and doors. Even tiny cracks can let heat or cool air leave your house. Add caulk or weatherstripping wherever you find leaks.
- Use your windows. If it’s cooler at night, turn off your AC and open the windows. When you wake up, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to trap the cooler air and to prevent heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is usually equated with keeping your home comfortable in the winter, but it also helps you out in the warmer season. Heat is constantly looking for cooler locations—like your house. Sufficient insulation stops heat from passing through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air proceeds easier through your home when your ducts are clear. That makes your air conditioner’s job easier.
- Make sure your ducts are properly sealed to prevent 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 important 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 adjust your temperature when you’re away from home or when you’re sleeping while avoiding discomfort because your home’s temperature will return to normal when needed.
- If you choose not to use a programmable thermostat, avoid setting your thermostat at a lower-than-usual setting when you turn on your air conditioner. You might think it will cool your home at a faster rate, 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 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 normal setting for eight hours a day. Using a ceiling fan in partnership 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 close to your thermostat, it can cause your air conditioner to run longer than needed 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 Bell Air Conditioning Inc for an assessment. It might 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 Bell Air Conditioning Inc at 254-307-9572. 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.