Everybody knows that we should conserve energy whenever possible, but what exactly can we do in our daily lives to save energy without making our family suffer? Here are some tips to help save energy while also maintaining your sanity and household harmony.
– Adjust your thermostat to 78° or higher when you are away. Some individuals choose to turn the system off entirely before heading off to work, but you must also remember that less efficient HVAC units can often waste more energy re-cooling a hothouse than if the HVAC unit would have been set to a reasonable temperature instead of being turned off entirely. Turning the system off completely when it is 110° out could leave your system struggling to cool down a 95° home upon your return. It is also important to weigh recommendations against the actual performance of your HVAC unit. If you have an older HVAC unit, it may take quite a bit of time and energy to cool home once it is allowed to reach higher temperatures.
– Ensure that all windows and doors are closed and are sealed entirely. Even the smallest opening can cause cool air to escape and allow hot outside air to enter your home. Pay special attention to any windows or doors where outside noise is more noticeable or drafts both hot or cold are present. In most cases, weather stripping or other minor DIY fixes can help create a better seal for your doors and windows. These basic measures can help keep your air temperature and energy costs down.
– Clean or replace your A/C filter. This is one of the most overlooked aspects of saving money and energy by homeowners. Not only will a clean filter help your HVAC unit to run more efficiently (which can save you money), but it will also help your HVAC system to last longer. The timely replacement of air filters is a win for the environment, your indoor air quality, and your wallet.
– Program your thermostat if your model allows you to do so. By setting your thermostat to automatically adjust to ideal temperatures for varying times of day, you can reduce your energy consumption significantly. Programmable thermostats allow you to set your thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature of your home based on your family’s patterns and behaviors. This helps ensure that your thermostat is never cooling an empty house while your family is away, or letting your home heat up to ridiculously hot temperatures that will tax your HVAC system to reduce upon your return.
These are just a few guidelines to help reduce the chances of additional Flex Alerts and or rolling blackouts in what has already started off to be the hottest summer on record.
If you have any questions about any of the content of this article or would like to schedule an HVAC system evaluation, please feel free to contact us today.