Heating and cooling in Hickory make up the large majority of our utility costs, so it stands to reason that controlling those two things can save money. There are a number of ways to do that which are just common sense, but also a few you may not have considered.
Thermostat – Having a programmable thermostat can save quite a bit by reducing your heating and cooling usage when no one is home during the day. Also changing the thermostat by just a degree or two may not be noticeable for comfort’s sake, but could save you as much as 10% of the costs. Even adjusting the temperature by more than that can often be tolerable if one adjusts their wardrobe a little bit — adding a sweater during the winter and dressing lighter in summer. One method that seems to work is making a one-degree change at a time, then become used to it before making another one-degree change.
Insulation – More insulation can often be added to attics and basements, thus reducing heating and cooling costs. Check all windows and doors to see if weather stripping should be replaced. Using heavier drapery on the windows can also help.
Upgrade Windows – Although it can be expensive to replace old single-pane windows with newer double- or triple-pane windows, it can often pay for itself fairly quickly due to energy savings. Taking this step also increases the value of your home, so it likely can be partially recovered when the home is sold down the road.
Annual Maintenance – Have a professional HVAC company come out at least once a year to inspect and service your heating and cooling equipment. They can keep it operating at peak performance, which will save money both in energy costs and also by extending the life of the equipment.
Update Heating and Cooling Equipment – Old equipment could be costing you a fortune, especially if it is 10 or more years old. Newer standards mean equipment that runs much more efficiently, which can reduce your energy costs by hundreds of dollars a year. A professional can go over the options and estimate the savings of a new unit for you.
Just these few steps can easily cut energy costs for heating and cooling by 10% to 30%. Talk with a professional for an inspection of your home to see if even more things can be done to save you money.
[source: howstuffworks.com]
Thermostat – Having a programmable thermostat can save quite a bit by reducing your heating and cooling usage when no one is home during the day. Also changing the thermostat by just a degree or two may not be noticeable for comfort’s sake, but could save you as much as 10% of the costs. Even adjusting the temperature by more than that can often be tolerable if one adjusts their wardrobe a little bit — adding a sweater during the winter and dressing lighter in summer. One method that seems to work is making a one-degree change at a time, then become used to it before making another one-degree change.
Insulation – More insulation can often be added to attics and basements, thus reducing heating and cooling costs. Check all windows and doors to see if weather stripping should be replaced. Using heavier drapery on the windows can also help.
Upgrade Windows – Although it can be expensive to replace old single-pane windows with newer double- or triple-pane windows, it can often pay for itself fairly quickly due to energy savings. Taking this step also increases the value of your home, so it likely can be partially recovered when the home is sold down the road.
Annual Maintenance – Have a professional HVAC company come out at least once a year to inspect and service your heating and cooling equipment. They can keep it operating at peak performance, which will save money both in energy costs and also by extending the life of the equipment.
Update Heating and Cooling Equipment – Old equipment could be costing you a fortune, especially if it is 10 or more years old. Newer standards mean equipment that runs much more efficiently, which can reduce your energy costs by hundreds of dollars a year. A professional can go over the options and estimate the savings of a new unit for you.
Just these few steps can easily cut energy costs for heating and cooling by 10% to 30%. Talk with a professional for an inspection of your home to see if even more things can be done to save you money.
[source: howstuffworks.com]
Buy with warranties - most electronics that you can purchase today comes with warranties. However, there are some that are only providing months of warranties. If you are going to buy an electronic such as an air conditioner, you need to make sure that you will be given at least a year warranty. This will allow you to have your unit be repaired for free within the timeframe.
ReplyDeletehttp://airconspecialist.page.tl/