A HVAC system that’s well-maintained can use fewer resources than one that is not. Regularly having your HVAC system serviced can improve efficiency and help save you money in energy costs. Thankfully, there’s even more you can do to better your home’s energy efficiency. Here are some simple actions you can take take to improve your West Valley City home.
- Secure any leaks around your windows and doors. Even tiny gaps can let heat or cool air escape your house. Add caulk or weatherstripping every place 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 catch the cooler air and to avoid heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is generally associated with keeping your home comfortable in the winter, but it also helps you out in the warmer months. Heat is constantly looking for cooler spaces—like your home. Sufficient insulation prevents heat from moving through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air moves easier through your home when your ducts are open. That makes your air conditioner’s job less complicated.
- Make sure your ducts are correctly sealed to stop 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 space.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats make managing your home comfort and efficiency pretty much effortless. 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 go 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. You might think it will cool your home quicker, 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 inexpensive, make sure the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is as close 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 usual 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 leaving 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 Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning for an evaluation. It could 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 Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning at 801-305-4777. 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.