Increasing your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be difficult. There are small steps you can take now that will pay off big later by saving you money, and even increasing the value of your home. According to NOPEC, “A National Association of Home Builder survey found that if a home shows reduced energy costs of $1,000 annually, the average home buyer will be willing to pay an additional $8,728.”
Some of these steps can be performed on your own, but for others, you’ll want to call in the experts.
Increase the Efficiency of Your HVAC System
With SEER ratings, the higher the number, the more energy-efficient the air conditioning unit is. A highly-efficient air conditioning unit will have a SEER rating of 20 or higher. But for home use, SEER ratings of 15 to 18 are also indicative of an energy-efficient unit for an average house. If you have an older unit, consider an upgrade.
You should also look into the efficiency of your furnace, or the AFUE. A standard efficiency furnace provides 80% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), and 20% of the energy produced by natural gas is expelled as exhaust. High efficiency furnaces offer 90% or more AFUE.
Seal Doors and Windows with Weatherstripping and Caulk
Taking a little time to weatherstrip and caulk your doors and windows will save you from costly air drafts. If you’re not sure how to do it, you can find videos online that show the process.
Replace Windows
If your house hasn’t had new windows in a couple of decades, it may be time to skip sealing them and consider replacing them. They can be a big investment, but you’ll see savings on your heating and cooling bills every winter and summer.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
If you’re gone all day at work, there’s no sense cooling or heating your house when there’s no one there. A programmable thermostat will let you bring the temperature up to a comfortable level right before you get home. You can also let it automatically adjust at night when you’re sleeping—you won’t feel the difference, but your wallet will!
Check the Humidity Levels of Your Home
A humidity level that’s too high can wreak havoc on your AC unit, making it work far harder than it should. Your home will feel warmer than it actually is because of all the moisture in the air. It’s a good idea to get the excess moisture out of your house anyway with a dehumidifier because that moisture can lead to mold growth.
On the other hand, air is often very dry in the winter, and dry air in the home can wreak havoc on those who live there—and potentially even your home’s structure. If you notice excessively dry air in your home, you might consider purchasing a humidifier, which will ultimately increase your home comfort. Solving your home’s dry air problem will actually help you feel warmer and ultimately decrease the time you have to run your furnace.
Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned
Air ducts are often ignored, but a good cleaning can help them make your HVAC system more efficient, which can eventually pay for the cost of the cleaning. You’ll get more benefits than just saving some money. Air duct cleaning can get rid of aggravating dust, bacteria, and mold, too.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
People tend to forget about their equipment and appliances until they stop working. A regular HVAC maintenance check-up can help you keep your system in good working operation. That can improve the efficiency of the system and help it last for years to come.
Learn more about the regular maintenance plans offered by Jennings Heating and Cooling. You might be surprised at how quickly you see it pay off!
Contact Jennings Heating and Cooling today to see which plan is best for you.
