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. Fortunately, there’s even more you can do to better your home’s energy efficiency. Here are some easy actions you can take take to improve your Norco and St. Charles Parish home.
- Seal any leaks around your windows and doors. Even small 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 at night, turn off your air conditioning and open the windows. In the morning, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to catch the cooler air and to prevent heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is usually connected to keeping your home warm in the winter, but it also helps you out in the summer. Heat is constantly working toward cooler places—like your house. Sufficient insulation keeps heat from passing through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air flows easier through your home when your ducts are open. That makes your air conditioner’s job simpler.
- Make sure your ducts are properly sealed to block 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 important if they are in the attic, a vented crawlspace or any other unconditioned space.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats make managing your home comfort and efficiency simple. You can automatically change your temperature when you’re not at 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 colder-than-usual setting when you turn on your air conditioner. You might think it will cool your home faster, but the time it takes to cool won’t be impacted. You’ll only cost yourself more in energy.
- Turn your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. To help keep your cooling bill inexpensive, 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% each year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7° to 10°F from its normal 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 placing lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances around your thermostat, it can cause your air conditioner to run longer than needed 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 Mayeuxs AC & Heating for an evaluation. It might be time to replace it with ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment that can cut your annual energy bill by more than $115, according to energystar.gov.
If you’re interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency, call Mayeuxs AC & Heating at (985) 764-2426. Our team 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.