With the whole year ahead, there are numerous ways to start shrinking your home’s energy use and enjoying lower gas and electric bills. Here are 22 ways to get started!
HEATING AND COOLING
1. Get your heater and AC tuned up.
Yearly maintenance is the best way to keep your HVAC equipment running efficiently.
2. Use your ceiling fans all year.
Warm rooms by having your ceiling fans rotate slowly clockwise. Cool rooms by having your ceiling fans rotate quickly counterclockwise.
3. Buy portable fans.
For rooms without ceiling fans, buy portable fans for summer. The breeze will make you feel cooler and reduce your dependence on your AC.
4. Change your HVAC system’s air filter every 30 to 60 days.
If you’re using your system daily, you may need to change the filter every 30 days.
5. Upgrade to insulating window treatments.
Thick curtains and shades do a much better job of conserving comfortable temperatures in your home than sheer curtains or thin, plastic blinds.
6. Keep your window treatments closed on winter nights.
Prevent heat loss in your home by making sure all the curtains and blinds are closed on cold nights.
7. Seal air leaks around your home.
Windows and doors are a good place to start. Update the weatherstripping, caulk, and sweeps in these areas.
8. Upgrade outdated attic insulation.
Do you own an older home that still has its original insulation? If so, it’s most likely time for new or additional insulation.
9. Replace fiberglass insulation in your crawl space with rigid foam insulation.
Rigid foam insulation stands the test of time much better than fiberglass and provides effective air sealing and moisture protection.
10. Avoid running certain appliances during the hottest times of the day.
During summer, avoid using appliances that will release extra moisture into your indoor air (such as your washer, dryer, or dishwasher). Humid air takes longer for your AC to cool.
11. Replace old, struggling HVAC equipment.
Heaters and air conditioners older than 20 years require lots of energy to operate compared to newer systems. After a replacement, you’ll notice an immediate improvement.
12. Convert your heating equipment from oil to gas.
The U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) reports that it costs the average household $2,087 to heat with oil in 2012 but only $832 to heat the same-size home with natural gas!
13. Get your air ducts sealed.
The average home loses 20 to 30 percent of the air in its ductwork due to leaks. Sealing your air ducts will boost your HVAC system’s efficiency.
14. Keep your vents wide open.
Closed or blocked air vents will only make your HVAC system unbalanced and less efficient. Go through your home and make sure all the vents are open, and that no furniture or rugs are obstructing airflow.
15. Adjust your thermostat settings.
According to the Department of Energy, you can easily lower your energy bills during winter by setting your thermostat to 68°F while you're awake and at home and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home. During summer, they advise setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re at home and turning up the thermostat when you’re away.
ELECTRICAL
1. Swap out incandescent light bulbs with LEDs
According to the Department of Energy, the average household saves around $225 annually by using LED lighting!
2. Keep TVs and small electronics plugged into surge protectors.
Even in standby mode, plugged-in devices still use electricity! Surge protectors make it easy to shut off consoles, TVs, computers, and AV equipment with the flick of a switch.
3. Shop for products that are ENERGY STAR rated.
ENERGY STAR appliances and electronics save a substantial amount of energy and must meet strict standards set by the EPA or DOE.
4. Use pale paints on the walls.
Light tends to bounce off light-colored walls, making extra lighting in a room unnecessary.
5. Upgrade to solar-powered landscape lights.
Solar lighting helps brighten your yard while reducing the electricity you use from the grid.
6. Install security lights with motion sensors.
Instead of leaving bright lights on all night, install lights that will turn on as soon as they pick up movement.
7. Add timers to your wall switches.
This is great for homes with forgetful family members. After a designated length of time, this device turns the lights off to avoid wasting electricity.
Exceptional Heating, Cooling, and Electrical Services
At Logan Home Energy Services, we pride ourselves on providing top-quality HVAC, insulation, and electrical services throughout Mooresville, Winston-Salem, and nearby areas in North Carolina. To get in touch with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or give us a call at (336) 203-7630.