A HVAC system that’s taken care of can use lower energy amounts than one that is not. Consistently having your HVAC system serviced can improve productivity and help save you money in electric costs. Fortunately, there’s even more you can do to increase your property’s energy efficiency. Here are some painless steps you can take to improve your Arlington home.
- Seal any leaks around your windows and doors. Even small breaches 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 your HVAC system and open the windows. After you get up 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 usually associated with keeping your home warm in the colder months, but it also helps you out in the warmer months. Heat is constantly seeking cooler spaces—like your rooms. Sufficient insulation prevents 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 less complicated.
- Check to see your ducts are accurately sealed to stop air leaks and insulate them if needed. You’re losing valuable heated or cooled air if your ducts have leaks. Properly sealing and insulating ducts is even more vital if they are in the attic, a vented crawlspace or any other unconditioned room.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats make managing your home comfort and efficiency pretty much effortless. 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 get back to normal when needed.
- If you choose not to use a programmable thermostat, avoid setting your thermostat at a colder-than-usual 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 impacted. You’ll just cost yourself more in energy.
- Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. To help keep your cooling bill low, 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 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 Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning for an check up. 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 Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning at 360-255-5857. 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.