A HVAC system that’s taken care of 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 boost your house’s energy efficiency. Here are some simple steps you can take to improve your Georgetown home.
- Secure any leaks around your windows and doors. Even small cracks can let heat or cool air escape your house. Add caulk or weatherstripping every place you find leaks.
- Use your windows. If it’s cooler after dark, turn off your AC and open the windows. In the morning, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to catch the cooler air and to stop heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is generally 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 places—like your house. Sufficient insulation prevents heat from going through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air flows easier through your home when your ducts are open. That makes your air conditioner’s job simpler.
- Make sure your ducts are accurately sealed to stop 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 crucial 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 simple. You can automatically move 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 lower-than-usual setting when you turn on your air conditioner. You might think it will cool your home at a faster rate, but the time it takes to cool won’t be impacted. You’ll end up costing yourself more in energy.
- Set 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 usual 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 placing 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 Miller Climate Control LLC for an assessment. It may 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 Miller Climate Control LLC at 512-937-2001. Our experts 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.