January 10th is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day!
Saving energy and money can be pretty straightforward, especially when it comes to your heating and air conditioning system. We've come up with a few tips to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency.
Adjust or upgrade your thermostat. A smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperature settings in your home for peak energy efficiency by setting a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures when you are asleep or away.
Replace your filters regularly. Clean or replace your system's filter when necessary. The timeframe will be different for everyone based on how often the system is used, dust, pets, etc. Check them every month just in case. Replacing a dirty filter can lower your system's energy usage by up to 15%.
Schedule routine maintenance. When your heating and AC is not maintained, performance suffers. As your system works harder to keep you comfortable, problems can develop that result in higher energy costs and decreased efficiency. A minor issue could lead to costly repairs if not addressed.
Weatherize your home. for air leaks around vents, windows, and doors. Weather stripping and caulking are simple air-sealing techniques that typically offer a return on investment in less than a year. Check for proper insulation. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing their home and adding insulation in attics, crawlspaces, and basements.
Replace old inefficient equipment. Older HVAC units tend to be less efficient than newer models, and as they age, wear and tear reduces the efficiency even more. As technology in the HVAC industry as improved, newer models have become more and more energy-efficient. When installed properly, Energy Star certified heating and cooling equipment can yield annual energy bill savings of 10-30%.
Check the quality of your ductwork. Ducts that move air to and from your HVAC equipment can be energy wasters. If old ducts are not properly sealed or insulated, the resulting energy waste can add hundreds of dollars to your annual heating and cooling expenses. Sealing, insulating, or replacing your ductwork can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20% - and sometimes more.