Homeowners are always looking for ways to cut energy costs and do their part for the planet as well as their wallets. It’s one thing to do things like switch to more energy efficient lightbulbs or turn the thermostat down a few degrees after they get a big bill. But why wait until you get surprised with a big bill to start making changes? Closely monitoring your home’s maintenance is a great way to stop opportunities for energy loss before they can turn into wasted money.
Furnace/Air Conditioner Maintenance
Many people think furnace or air conditioner maintenance involves simply changing out the filters on a regular basis and nothing more. Replacing the filter can help decrease energy costs, but it doesn’t prevent the system from breaking down. The bad news is some of the issues that can arise, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, can cost homeowners a great deal in energy bills. In the spirit of cutting energy costs, one should have the system inspected and tuned-up regularly, particularly right before summer and winter.
Seal Air Leaks
Insulation and caulking around doors and windows deteriorates over time. The resulting air leaks not only cause energy bills to spike, but also strain heating and cooling systems, which can lead to costly repairs. Homeowners can spare themselves the unnecessary expense by inspecting the area around windows and doors regularly and sealing any air leaks they find. You’ll be glad you took the extra time to this!
Protect the Windows
People often enjoy throwing open the windows and letting the fresh air in instead of running the air conditioner, which is a great way to cut energy costs during the warm summer months. However, even when windows are closed, they may serve as a constant drain on heating and cooling systems. People can avoid this by simply adding a layer of protection such as window shades or drapes. One may even consider replacing their windows with vinyl windows since they help protect the home from outside temperatures, thus save on energy bills.
Monitor the Thermostat People often adjust the thermostat the moment they walk in the door. All they succeed in doing, however, is causing the system to work overtime and their energy costs to soar. Avoid touching the thermostat until one adjusts to the interior temperature. One may find the house is rather comfortable and the thermostat setting is perfect. If you and your family are out of the house all day and you want to keep the temperature down during the day but don’t want to come home to a cold house, you might want to consider a getting a programmable thermostat. That way, your house will be cooler when nobody is at home, but you can set it to warm up when it’s almost time to come home. You won’t even have to think about changing the thermostat!
