A HVAC system that’s well-maintained can use much less energy than one that is not. Consistently having your HVAC system serviced can improve efficiency and help save you money in electric costs. Thankfully, there’s even more you can do to better your property’s energy efficiency. Here are some easy steps you can take to improve your Hasbrouck Heights home.
- Seal any leaks around your windows and doors. Even tiny cracks can let heat or cool air disappear from your house. Add caulk or weatherstripping wherever you find leaks.
- Use your windows. If it’s cooler after dark, turn off your AC and open the windows. In the morning, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to catch the cooler air and to stop heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is generally associated with keeping your home comfortable in the winter, but it also helps you out in the summer. Heat is constantly looking for cooler places—like your home. Sufficient insulation prevents heat from going 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 less complicated.
- Check to see your ducts are correctly sealed to prevent air leaks and insulate them if needed. You’re losing valuable heated or cooled air if your ducts have leaks. Tightly sealing and insulating ducts is even more crucial if they are in the attic, a vented crawlspace or any other unconditioned room.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats make managing your home comfort and efficiency pretty much effortless. You can automatically change 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 quicker, but the time it takes to cool won’t be impacted. You’ll only cost yourself more in energy.
- Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. To help keep your cooling bill low, 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% annually 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 conjunction with your air conditioner can let you raise your thermostat a little more. You can raise your setting by about 4°F without impacting your comfort.
- Limit heat-generating appliances near your thermostat. If you’re putting lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances close to your thermostat, it can cause your air conditioner to run for an extended time 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 ACE Solutions for an evaluation. It might 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 ACE Solutions at 201-579-2562. Our pros 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.