A HVAC system that’s well-maintained can use fewer resources than one that is not. Consistently having your HVAC system serviced can improve efficiency and help save you money in energy costs. Luckily, there’s even more you can do to boost your home’s energy efficiency. Here are some easy actions you can take take to improve your York home.
- Seal any leaks around your windows and doors. Even tiny cracks 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 your HVAC system and open the windows. In the morning, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to trap the cooler air and to prevent heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is generally equated with keeping your home comfortable in the colder months, but it also helps you out in the warmer months. Heat is constantly looking for cooler locations—like your home. Sufficient insulation prevents heat from moving through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air flows easier through your home when your ducts are clear. That makes your air conditioner’s job simpler.
- Ensure your ducts are accurately sealed to prevent air leaks and insulate them if necessary. You’re losing valuable heated or cooled air if your ducts have leaks. Properly sealing and insulating ducts is even more crucial 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 easy. You can automatically move 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 lower-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 changed. You’ll only cost yourself more in energy.
- Turn your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. To help keep your cooling bill down, 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% each 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 partnership 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 placing lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances around 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 Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning for an assessment. 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 Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning at 717-383-4479. 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.