10 Tips for Energy-Efficient Heating & Cooling
Improving your HVAC system’s efficiency is a great way to lower energy bills. But there are many other ways to reduce your energy use and save money in your home without a major investment.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your heating and cooling costs, try these 10 top tips!
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are a great way to make your heating & cooling more energy-efficient. These WiFi-enabled devices can be controlled from your smartphone or tablet, and they'll learn your preferences and schedules over time.
They also offer a variety of other features that will save you money on energy bills. These include remote access, weekly and monthly energy reports, and more.
2. Turn Off Vampire Power
Whether you're trying to save money on your energy bill or help the environment, there are a few quick and easy steps you can take to fight vampire power.
Vampire power, also called phantom load or standby energy, occurs when devices remain plugged in even when they're not in use. It can eat up a significant portion of your monthly electric bill.
3. Leave the Air Conditioner Off
Leaving your air conditioner off can save you money, but it may also place extra strain on your system. That’s because turning your system off can quickly introduce a lot of heat and humidity into your home.
Your air conditioner will have to work harder to lower the temperature back down, which can be expensive and waste energy. Alternatively, you can set your thermostat to a higher or lower setting while you’re away to save energy and prevent high humidity levels from damaging your home.
4. Turn Off Lights
Whether you use LED lights, CFL bulbs or fluorescent tube lighting, turning off your lights whenever they are not in use can save you significant energy and money.
In addition, a simple habit like this can make an impact on the planet by helping to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. It also sets a good example for others in your household.
5. Change Your Filters
One of the easiest ways to save energy and keep your heating and cooling system running optimally is to change your filters regularly. Dirty filters can cause your system to work harder, wasting energy and shortening the life of your equipment.
The recommended filter change interval varies from home to home depending on a variety of factors, including the climate, where you live and the size of your furnace or air conditioner. For example, a smaller home may need to change its filter more frequently than a larger home because the smaller appliance needs to pump less air for the same temperature change.
6. Install a Ductless System
Ductless systems, also called ductless mini-splits, are a great option for homeowners who want to save money on their energy bills and live a greener lifestyle. They don’t require ductwork, making them an excellent choice for homes that were built before ductwork became the standard.
They’re also extremely efficient and can save you a lot of money on your utility bill in the long run. Plus, they can also be equipped with heat pumps, which allow you to reverse the cooling process during the winter and bring in more warmth.
7. Insulate Your Walls
Adding insulation to your walls can improve the comfort of your home. It can also help you save money on energy bills and increase your resale value.
Insulation keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It also reduces the flow of heat from warm to cold areas in your home, which can help your HVAC system work less.
Adding insulation to your walls is a DIY project that will improve the energy efficiency of your home. Follow these tips to make the most of your investment.
8. Turn Off the Water Heater
During the course of our everyday lives, we turn off many things to save energy. Appliances can be unplugged, lights can be turned off, and even mail can be put on hold.
But turning off your water heater may not be the best idea. Not only is it unnecessary, but it could lead to a more costly problem down the road.
9. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy efficient appliances are a great way to save money on your power bill and lower your impact on the environment. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help conserve water, too.
Energy efficiency standards compel product designers and manufacturers to reduce energy consumption and waste. This helps to decrease emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants, which are one of the primary causes of global warming and climate change.
10. Turn Off the Water Heater
Many homeowners turn off their water heater when they go on vacation to save energy. While it may seem like an easy way to save money, it's actually not a good idea.
This is because the water heater runs on pressure and a small leak can lead to massive water damage in your home.
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Improving your HVAC system’s efficiency is a great way to lower energy bills. But there are many other ways to reduce your energy use and save money in your home without a major investment. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your heating and cooling costs, try these 10 top tips! 1. Install a Smart…