Three important points on in-home energy efficiency

Everyone wants maximum energy efficiency when making improvements to their homes, so here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions on the subject, courtesy of an expert in the field, Dave Walton, Director of Home Ideas for Direct Energy.

Q. How can I properly prepare my cooling system for the summer months?

A. With spring finally upon us, now is a good time to make an appointment for an annual check-up of your air conditioning unit. Regular maintenance can help save money by ensuring efficient operation and avoiding the need for premature replacement. A licensed technician can identify potential problems before they turn into an expensive repair. If your unit is more than 15 years old, consider investing in a new high-efficiency air conditioner, which can lead to energy and cost savings.

Q. What are the benefits of installing a programmable thermostat?

A. Programmable thermostats offer new ways to increase comfort and conserve energy.

With a programmable thermostat you can control air conditioning usage by adjusting the times you turn on the air conditioning. You can set and control temperatures to fit your schedule. Also, many thermostats will even remind you when it’s time to change your furnace filter. For example, programmable thermostats are Energy Star certified and can save you as much as 18 per cent on your energy bill if set back twice a day.

Q. How can I improve the health of my home, while maximizing energy efficiency?

A: When it comes to household cleaning, looks can be deceiving. Indoor air quality is vital to your home’s comfort, cleanliness and temperature control.

• Indoor air quality products can remove up to 95 per cent of airborne pollutants from the air in your home. There are a number of products to choose from including a variety of filters and filtering systems, humidifiers and duct cleaning services.