The average American household spends $900 annually on energy bills, half of which comes from heating and cooling costs, according to ENERGY STAR. It’s true – we spend a lot on heating and cooling our home. This season, try these heating and cooling energy saving tips and learn more about how Douglas Cooling & Heating can help you save money on your HVAC repair in Birmingham.
Heating and Cooling Energy Saving Tip #1: Check Your HVAC Filters Monthly
With cooler weather setting in, your heating and cooling system kicks into higher gear to keep your home comfortable. That’s why during these heavy-use months it becomes especially important to check your furnace’s air filter once a month. A dirty filter slows the flow of air through your home. This makes the system work harder and use more energy.
To keep your system running efficiently, now is also a great time to schedule your annual professional HVAC system tune-up.
Heating and Cooling Energy Saving Tip #2: Insulate Your Attic and Air Ducts
Another common area for heat to escape your home is through the attic. Ensure the space has enough insulation. It’s a good heating and cooling energy saving measure. It keeps warm air inside — and you more comfortable.
An additional energy-saving tactic is to seal and insulate air ducts. This especially impacts ducts in your attic or crawlspace. This often improves your HVAC system’s efficiency by as much as 10 percent, according to ENERGY STAR.
Heating and Cooling Energy Saving Tip #3: Invest in a Smart Thermostat
If you still have a manual or basic programmable thermostat, it may be wise to invest in a smart thermostat. It’s called “smart,” which means it “learns” your temperature preferences after a couple weeks of manual programming. Based on these household rhythms, it automatically adjusts to energy saving temperatures when you’re asleep or away.
Heating and Cooling Energy Saving Tip #4: Protect Your Windows and Doors
Outer walls, windows and doors are the most common areas for heat to escape your home. Per ENERGY STAR, save you up to 10 percent on your heating bills when you seal air leaks. Caulk around your windows and install weather stripping on doors.
For windows, hang quilted or thermal curtains. To maximize your energy saving, keep them open on windows with direct sun exposure. This is usually on the south side of the house. Let sunlight heat the room, then close them at sunset to trap heat indoors and keep the cold glass covered.
Heating and Cooling Energy Saving Tip #5: Add a Humidifier for Extra Heat
Especially during the winter months, air inside your home becomes dry. A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your home. This makes it feel warmer and retain heat better.
This allows you to feel comfortable even when your thermostat is set at a lower temperature. Houseplants also increase humidity in your home.
Heating and Cooling Energy Saving Tip #6: Get an Energy Audit
Most utility companies offer free energy audits. A professional from the company visits and performs an assessment of your home. An energy audit detects air leaks and identifies insulation problems with a blower door test.
He or she also finds leaks or problem areas you’ve missed with tools such as an infrared camera. This identifies points of heat loss in your home. Once addressed, you can improve overall energy efficiency.
Heating and Cooling Energy Saving Tip #7: Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Heat
If you have fans, you can strategically use them to keep warm air moving through rooms in your home. Fans set to run counter-clockwise pull hot air up. Change their direction to clockwise and push heat along walls and down to keep rooms warmer.
Heating and Cooling Energy Saving Tip #8: Call Douglas Cooling & Heating!
Don’t spend more money warming your home this winter than necessary. Call the friendly service pros at Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule a system tune-up. We’ll make sure it’s running as it should. We’re also happy to talk about more heating and cooling energy saving ideas.
For example, if your heat pump or furnace is older, or provides an AFUE of 80 percent or less, it may be time to upgrade. Heating and air technology have come a long way and the more efficient, the more money you save.
Interested? We’re happy to provide a free estimate. We also offer finance options to keep your household budget intact. Call us to improve the safety, comfort and energy savings in your Birmingham home today!
