A HVAC system that’s taken care of can use lower energy amounts than one that is not. Consistently having your HVAC system serviced can improve productivity and help save you money in electric costs. Luckily, there’s even more you can do to better your property’s energy efficiency. Here are some painless steps you can take to improve your Fort Lauderdale home.
- Close up any leaks around your windows and doors. Even miniscule gaps 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 when the sun goes down, turn off your AC and open the windows. 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 normally connected to keeping your home warm in the winter, but it also helps you out in the summer. Heat is constantly working toward cooler locations—like your home. Sufficient insulation prevents heat from passing through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air moves easier through your home when your ducts are open. That makes your air conditioner’s job simpler.
- Make sure your ducts are correctly sealed to stop air leaks and insulate them if needed. You’re losing valuable heated or cooled air if your ducts have leaks. Properly sealing and insulating ducts is even more vital 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 adjust your temperature when you’re away from home or when you’re sleeping while avoiding discomfort because your home’s temperature will go 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 at a faster rate, but the time it takes to cool won’t be changed. You’ll end up costing 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 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 changing your comfort.
- Limit heat-generating appliances near your thermostat. If you’re placing lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances close to 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 Solar Air Inc. for an assessment. It may 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 Solar Air Inc. at 954-320-7398. 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.