A HVAC system that’s well-managed can use much less energy than one that is not. Consistently having your HVAC system serviced can improve performance and help save you money in utility costs. Thankfully, there’s even more you can do to boost your home’s energy efficiency. Here are some painless actions you can take take to improve your Boynton Beach home.
- Secure any leaks around your windows and doors. Even small cracks can let heat or cool air disappear from your house. Add caulk or weatherstripping wherever 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 trap the cooler air and to avoid heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is normally associated with keeping your home cozy in the colder months, but it also helps you out in the warmer months. Heat is constantly seeking cooler locations—like your rooms. Sufficient insulation prevents heat from moving 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.
- Ensure your ducts are correctly 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 pretty much effortless. You can automatically change your temperature when you’re not at 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. You might feel like it will cool your home quicker, but the time it takes to cool won’t be changed. 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 little 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 average 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 leaving lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances close to 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 A2Z Air Inc for an evaluation. It could 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 A2Z Air Inc at 561-270-6228. 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.