April 20, 2017
A HVAC system that’s well-managed can use fewer resources than one that is not. Regularly having your HVAC system serviced can improve performance and help save you money in electric costs. Thankfully, there’s even more you can do to boost your property’s energy efficiency. Here are some painless things you can do take to improve your Franklin & South Indy home.
- Close up any leaks around your windows and doors.Even miniscule 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 after dark, turn off your air conditioning 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 normally connected to keeping your home comfortable in the colder months, but it also helps you out in the summer. Heat is constantly looking for cooler spaces—like your house. 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 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. Tightly sealing and insulating ducts is even more vital 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 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 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. You might feel like it will cool your home quicker, but the time it takes to cool won’t be affected. 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 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 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 impacting 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 Winters Heating and Cooling 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 Winters Heating and Cooling at 317-406-5382. 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.