Heating and Cooling Energy Saving Tips | Heating and Air Conditioning
The Katyand Fort Worth, Texas area is no stranger to oppressive summer temperatures. Unfortunately,energy consumption also rises with the temperature. The following heating and cooling energy saving tips canassist you to save energy with a two-pronged approach – reducing the amount ofheat that infiltrates your home, and reducing the amount of electricityconsumed. Utilizing the following tips will save you money year round on thecost of heating and air conditioningyour home.
SealingCracks and Gaps
Cracks andgaps in the envelope of your home can cost you with lost energy. Various sourcesclaim an annual $350 to $600 a year in lost energy due to cracks and gaps. Eachhome is unique in its design and construction, including the quality ofconstruction. However, it’s a proven fact that reducing the amount of airleakage in and out of the home is a cost-effective way to save energy, and to increaseyour comfort.
Caulking, weatherstripping, and foam sealants are three simple and effective products for airsealing that provides an immediate effect. Caulk is used for the stationarycomponents of windows and doors. Weather stripping seals the moving componentsof doors and windows.
Other areasto check for air leaks include the home’s foundation, and the attic. Inspectthe foundation or basement walls for cracks and gaps. Expanding foam is aneffective solution that expands to seal the area, preventing outside air, andwater from entering. In addition, ensure you seal openings in the foundationand outer walls where cables and wires enter the home. Expanding foam is idealfor this task, as it expands to fill leaving no gaps.
Inspect theattic, including the exterior for loose or missing siding. Repair preventsoutside air, pests, and wildlife from entering the attic.
Air leaks alongwith insufficient attic and wall insulation are a common reason a home isuncomfortable and experiences high heatingand air conditioning costs. Inspect the insulation in the attic. If the ceilingjoists are visible, add insulation. Over time, the recommended insulatingfactor of insulation changes. The amount in your attic may have been acceptablewhen the home was constructed, but insufficient by today’s standards.Furthermore, insulation can settle, exposing joists, and costing you withenergy loss and decreased comfort with the use of heating and air conditioning.
Chimneys
Chimneyscan be a major source of lost heatingand air conditioning. Keep the flue closed, and close the doors on thefireplace if available.
Indoor Tips
OpenRegisters and Interior Doors
Closing offregisters and doors can create unequal pressure in the heating and air conditioning system, resulting in air leaks.Furthermore, an imbalance in pressure can result in the HVAC system pulling unconditioned outside air inside throughcracks, vent pipes, chimneys, unsealed doors and windows and more. This resultsin an increase in energy costs, and unnecessary wear and tear on the heating and air conditioning system. Nomore than one or two registers should be closed in an average home. Doorsshould have the proper amount of clearance at the bottom to allow the properpressure in the home, or be left open.
WindowGlass
Windowsallow heat to transfer into the home. Insulated drapes and shades are one meansof reducing heat transfer. Window film is an even better option. Not only doesit dramatically reduce heat transfer, it also reduces the UV rays that fadeupholstery and photographs by up to 99%. Furthermore, thick, higher grades ofwindow film can provide the equivalent of adding an extra pane of glass forinsulation purposes.
Reducingthe Use of Electricity
Replacingolder appliances with Energy Star appliances will help you save on energy costs.Use the economy setting, and air dry on the dishwasher, and wait until theappliance has a full load before using. In addition, ensure the refrigerator isset on energy save. Other tips include using the microwave when possible, and refrainfrom opening the oven or dryer door. Unplugging appliances such as computersand TVs will eliminate phantom use of electricity, which adds up over time. Agable fan may be a significant assist in reducing the power bill. By removingexcessive heat from the attic, the AC won’t have to run as long to cool thehome, saving on energy, and wear and tear of the air conditioner. Finally, consider a programmablethermostat for significant savings.
These heatingand cooling energy saving tips can add up to extra money in your pocket. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning provides NATE certified HVAC technicians for professionalheating and air conditioninginstallation, heating and AC repair,HVAC maintenance, and other expert HVAC services. Cypress Heating and AirConditioning serves Katy, Plano, and the surrounding areas, and is a memberof the BBB with an A+ rating.
