A HVAC system that’s well-maintained can use much less energy than one that is not. Consistently having your HVAC system serviced can improve efficiency and help save you money in utility costs. Thankfully, there’s even more you can do to better your house’s energy efficiency. Here are some easy steps you can take to improve your Carson City home.
- Close up any leaks around your windows and doors. Even tiny gaps can let heat or cool air leave 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. When you wake up, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to catch the cooler air and to avoid heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is normally associated with keeping your home warm in the colder months, but it also helps you out in the warmer months. Heat is constantly working toward cooler spaces—like your rooms. Sufficient insulation stops heat from going through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air moves easier through your home when your ducts are uncluttered. That makes your air conditioner’s job less complicated.
- Check to see your ducts are correctly sealed to block air leaks and insulate them if needed. 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 space.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats make managing your home comfort and efficiency simple. You can automatically change your temperature when you’re away from home 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 faster, but the time it takes to cool won’t be impacted. You’ll only 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% a year 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 conjunction with your air conditioner can let you raise your thermostat a little more. You can raise your setting by about 4°F without impacting your comfort.
- Limit heat-generating appliances near your thermostat. If you’re putting lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances near 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 Anderson Heating & A/C for an evaluation. It might be time to replace it with ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment that can cut your annual energy bill by more than $115, according to energystar.gov.
If you’re interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency, call Anderson Heating & A/C at 775-230-7628. Our pros 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.