A HVAC system that’s well-maintained can use fewer resources than one that is not. Routinely having your HVAC system serviced can improve productivity and help save you money in utility costs. Fortunately, there’s even more you can do to better your property’s energy efficiency. Here are some simple things you can do take to improve your Des Moines home.
- Close up any leaks around your windows and doors. Even small gaps can let heat or cool air escape your house. Add caulk or weatherstripping wherever you find leaks.
- Use your windows. If it’s cooler when the sun goes down, turn off your your HVAC system 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 usually equated with keeping your home cozy in the cold season, but it also helps you out in the summer. Heat is constantly looking for cooler places—like your rooms. Sufficient insulation prevents heat from going through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air flows easier through your home when your ducts are uncluttered. That makes your air conditioner’s job simpler.
- Make sure your ducts are properly sealed to stop air leaks and insulate them if needed. You’re losing valuable heated or cooled air if your ducts have leaks. Correctly 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 easy. You can automatically move your temperature when you’re out and about 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 lower-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 changed. You’ll end up costing yourself more in energy.
- Set 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% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7° to 10°F from its average 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 negatively affecting your comfort.
- Limit heat-generating appliances near your thermostat. If you’re putting lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances near 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 Heartland Heating & Cooling for an assessment. 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 Heartland Heating & Cooling at 515-344-3579. Our experts 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.