Energy Saving Heating & Air Conditioning Tips
Energy Saving Tips | Heating and Air Conditioning
Almost every homeowner looks for ways to conserve energy. To assist you in this goal, we have compiled some energy-saving tips that you can take advantage of:
- Set back the thermostat – Adjusting the thermostat controlling the heating and air conditioning can save on the cost of energy. During the winter, set the thermostat on 68 degrees when the home is occupied, and 55 when all occupants are away and at night while you, to save 5-20% on heating cost.
- According to the EPA for each degree the thermostat is lowered in the winter, and for every degree the thermostat is raised during the summer, you save approximately 3% on the energy bill. However, independent research indicates the figure may be as much as 5% in some areas. For homes with a heat pump, only set the thermostat back 2 degrees, or set on the temperature as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent the use of heat strips.
- Thermostat upgrade – A programmable thermostat will enable control over the heating and air conditioning by allowing you to program when the system will run.
- Schedule a tune-up – Your home’s heating and air conditioning should receive annual maintenance by a professional technician annually at the minimum. Ideally, the system should be serviced in the spring before the start of the AC season, and in the fall before the furnace is needed.
- Replace the filter routinely – Once the HVAC’s air filter gets clogged with dust and debris, system performance will suffer and the cost of running it will increase. Dependent upon the type of filter recommended for the home’s heating and air conditioning, the filter should be checked monthly, and changed or cleaned every one to three months.
- Switch ceiling fans to run clockwise during the winter – This will direct warm air toward the floor, providing an even distribution of heat.
- Reduce the water heater temperature – Setting the water heater to 120 degrees will save energy, and prevent scalding. Do not set the thermostat below 120 degrees F to prevent the growth of bacteria in the hot water heater.
- Clean the lint trap -Clean out the lint trap before each load of clothes.
- Choose low-flow – Install low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators and toilets to conserve water and reduce the water bill.
- Keep showers under five minutes to save on water and the cost of producing hot water.
- Launder only when you have a full load, and observe the same tip with the dishwasher.
- Have leaks repaired.
- Open drapes to allow the sun to shine in on sunny winter days. Pull the drapes closed in the evening.
- Consider replacing aging appliances with Energy Star appliances, especially the water heater and heating and air conditioning systems.
- Close fireplace drafts when not in use. Ensure no coals are present before closing the draft.
- Eliminate standby energy losses. Electronics often use power even when off. Eliminate this unnecessary loss by plugging electronics into a power strip. Simply turn the strip off when you are through using them.
- Change to compact fluorescents or LED lights.
- Plug up leaky doors, windows and intrusions such as cable or telephone lines. Caulking and expanding foam can save you energy dollars. Replace worn door sweeps and seals.
- Increase attic insulation and save 5-25% on energy. Typically, if the rafters are visible, insulation needs to be added.
- Seal HVAC ducts. Sealing ducts can save up to 30% on energy by eliminating conditioned air losses.
We hope you found these energy saving tips useful. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC technicians provide exceptional service and are dedicated to your satisfaction. If you are interested in a new energy efficient HVAC system contact us for further information. Our experienced professionals offer heating and air conditioning repair, service, and installation. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas.
