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 efficiency and help save you money in energy costs. Fortunately, there’s even more you can do to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Here are some easy actions you can take take to improve your Oxford home.
- Secure any leaks around your windows and doors. Even tiny 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 after dark, 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 keep the cooler air in and to avoid heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is usually associated with keeping your home comfortable in the cold season, but it also helps you out in the warmer months. Heat is constantly looking for cooler spaces—like your house. Sufficient insulation keeps heat from passing through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air moves easier through your home when your ducts are clear. That makes your air conditioner’s job less complicated.
- Make sure your ducts are accurately sealed to stop 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 room.
- 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. 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.
- 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 small 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 average 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 negatively affecting your comfort.
- Limit heat-generating appliances near your thermostat. If you’re putting lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances close to your thermostat, it can cause your air conditioner to run for an extended time 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 Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc for an assessment. It could be time to replace it with ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment that can reduce your annual energy bill by more than $115, according to energystar.gov.
If you’re interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency, call Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc at 662-281-1231. 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.