Save energy (and money) with these smart tips
Whether it’s the dead of winter, a broiling summer, or you live in a comfortably moderate climate, your home’s energy efficiency is a big deal. You spend a lot of money to power heating and air conditioning, and you don’t want to see that go to waste. Don’t underestimate the power of these everyday acts to dent those energy bills. Stay on top of HVAC maintenance. This is the most important thing you can do to ensure comfortable temperatures and efficient energy use. Heating and air conditioning systems run for long periods, often with moving parts and complex elements. Wear and tear will eventually catch up with them, which is why a twice-yearly inspection is vital to catch problems before they escalate. And be sure to replace filters on your manufacturer’s schedule; a dirty $10 filter can force your system to work harder and add up energy bills.
Don’t skip the fundamentals. Air leaks can undermine the most efficient system. Every so often, and definitely at the change of seasons, inspect your doors, windows and foundation or basement for potential air loss. Seal up what you can with weatherstripping or caulk. Be flexible with temperature. Keeping a comfortable home is about more than just setting the thermostat to 70 and forgetting about it. At night, for instance, you can change the temperature by a few degrees and remain comfortable. Aim to balance a suitable temperature with minimal energy use. Programmable thermostats that allow you to time basic temperature changes cost less than $50, and a smart thermostat that can react to changes or be controlled from your phone is less than $200. Get an energy audit. If your energy bills are up and you don’t know where to start, a professional energy audit can give you the roadmap to a more sustainable future. An audit typically costs between $200 and $650 and takes the better part of a day. You should receive a written report explaining findings, problem areas and recommended solutions.
Use heavy window treatments. You lose a lot of heat and cold through windows. Consider putting up drapes that block this loss when temperatures are particularly extreme. The U.S. Department of Energy says this can reduce winter heat loss by 10% and summer heat gain by 33%.