Air Conditioning Service
Improving Energy Efficiency in the Home
With energy costs perpetually increasing, most homeowners are looking for ways to keep costs down. The following are a few tips to help keep those utility bills down.
Close drapes over windows and patio/French doors to prevent heat loss during the winter dark hours and heat gain in the summer. Keep in mind white reflects light and dark absorbs it. Open the curtains on sunny windows in the winter and close them in the summer.
Another idea that assists with winter heating is to place a dark rug on the floor in front of sunny windows to absorb the suns heat. It then is released into the room.
Energy efficient windows help prevent energy loss but the cost of replace may be more than you want to pay. If you want something more than curtains try window film. It is available at home supply stores and from your local window tinting company. Window film blocks harmful UV rays and heat in the summer and works beautifully. Some films claim to allow the heat in that it blocks out in the summer while continuing to filter out damaging UV rays. It acts as an additional layer upon windows and does reduce the transference of cold through the glass. It is also available for glass doors.
If you use window air conditioners aim the vents upward to improve circulation. Cold air settles on its own while hot air rises.The central air unit outside, and the outside portion of window units will cool better if they are not in direct sunlight. Do not block the air flow around them or overheating can occur. With window units, relocation to an area shaded during the heat of the day will improve efficiency.
Maintaining proper humidity will make your home more comfortable. Excessive humidity in the summer makes it feels hotter. Controlling humidity with de-humidifiers and humidifiers will improve comfort.
Keep the draft of the chimney closed until it is in use. Chimneys create a draft that will suck the air of your home right out the chimney increasing energy costs.
Make certain your thermostat isn’t on an un-insulated outside wall or catching air from an air register. If it is, you will need to contact your HVAC technician and have it moved. Check for drafts, if caulking or seals are deteriorated and allowing drafts to enter your home it will cause the system to run more. Seal windows with caulk or shrink fit plastic. Replace door seals, and seal drafts around light switches and plugs with foam insulators made for them. Plumbing, cables and wires coming through a floor or ceiling should be sealed with caulk or expanding foam. Never use unapproved materials around a furnace flue, fires may occur. Consult with a heating and air conditioning professional for proper a proper seal around furnace flues.
Install a thermostat timer or a programmable digital thermostat that will allow you to automatically raise or lower temperatures at peak times and after hours. For example, your heat can be lowered at bedtime, as well as at times when no one is home saving you a bundle of money.
Don’t block the thermostat, vents or the return air register with drapes or furniture as this will cause it to run unnecessarily.Keep the filter clean. Choose a particular day every month to change your filter preventing your unit from having to work harder.
Have your HVAC system serviced bi-annually. While having this service performed ask for a duct check to prevent loss of energy due to a loose duct. If your ducts haven’t been cleaned professionally in 10 years or more then it is a good idea to have them cleaned. If allergies are worsening, or if you see more dust than normal then it’s a good indication that the ducts need cleaning.Turn on ceiling fans to assist your HVAC system. Most ceiling fans have a switch for summer and winter.
In the summer, using good room fans will circulate the cool air and improve a room’s temperature. It will assist the air conditioning and make it feel much cooler.
Properly cared for, your HVAC system should last you for years. Following these tips will help assure that you get the most from your heating and air conditioning system, ultimately saving you money while keeping energy costs down.
