A HVAC system that’s taken care of 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 utility costs. Fortunately, there’s even more you can do to boost your house’s energy efficiency. Here are some painless steps you can take to improve your Des Moines home.
- Seal any leaks around your windows and doors. Even miniscule 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. After you get up in the morning, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to trap the cooler air and to stop heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is generally connected to keeping your home comfortable in the colder months, but it also helps you out in the warmer season. Heat is constantly looking for cooler locations—like your home. Sufficient insulation stops heat from passing through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air proceeds easier through your home when your ducts are clear. That makes your air conditioner’s job easier.
- Make sure 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. Properly sealing and insulating ducts is even more vital if they are in the attic, a vented crawlspace or any other unconditioned area.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats make managing your home comfort and efficiency simple. You can automatically adjust your temperature when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping while avoiding discomfort because your home’s temperature will get back to normal when needed.
- If you choose not to use a programmable thermostat, avoid setting your thermostat at a colder-than-usual setting when you turn on your air conditioner. It might seem it will cool your home faster, but the time it takes to cool won’t be affected. You’ll end up costing yourself more in energy.
- Make your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. To help keep your cooling bill down, make sure the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is as little 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 usual setting for eight hours a day. Using a ceiling fan in partnership with your air conditioner can let you raise your thermostat a little more. You can raise your setting by about 4°F without changing your comfort.
- Limit heat-generating appliances near your thermostat. If you’re leaving lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances around your thermostat, it can cause your air conditioner to run for too long 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 Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling for an assessment. It may be time to replace it with ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment that can lower your annual energy bill by more than $115, according to energystar.gov.
If you’re interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency, call Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling at 515-207-6569. 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.