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Secret #1: Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are worth the investment. If your home currently uses a manual thermostat, a programmable thermostat is a smart investment for greater energy savings. These devices allow you to increase or decrease the temperature of your home automatically so that it coordinates with your work/school and sleep schedule. For example, when nobody is home to occupy the house, you can lower the settings on the thermostat during colder months and raise it in warmer months. This way, you aren’t paying to heat or cool a vacant house. With proper thermostat settings, you could save up to 10 to 15% on your energy bills.
Secret #2: Home Energy Audits
Energy audits save money. Having a professional energy audit performed on your home is an excellent way to gauge your current energy usage so that you can implement changes that will help cut down on energy costs. A professional energy auditor can determine how much energy is being used in the home, where you could make changes, and help you implement a plan for future energy savings. The United States Department of Energy also offers a solution for homeowners who would rather do it themselves. This guide for a DIY home energy audit will help you spot many problems on your own, and even a little bit of energy savings is better than none!
Secret #3: Power Strips
Energy smart people use power strips. A lot of energy is wasted on electronics that are left plugged into outlets, even if they are turned off. By using a power strip, you can combat this energy usage quickly and easily. Seek out a power strip that also includes a surge protector, in case of any electricity outages. Plug energy-sucking devices, such as television sets and video game consoles, into a power strip and when not in use. Turn the power strip off to stop them from drawing energy.
Secret #4: Proper Insulation
If your home has air leaks around doors and windows, then your home is certainly wasting energy. Walk around the interior perimeter of your home, focusing primarily on floorboards, window frames, and doors, and check for drafts. To easily do this, hold a lit incense stick near suspected drafts, and if the direction of the smoke changes, you’ll know you have an air leak. Seal any air leaks with caulking or weather stripping. Sealing any gaps will cut down on energy costs as well as make your home more comfortable during extreme weather. Other good areas to investigate for air leaks are areas where wiring or plumbing passes through from the exterior to the interior of the home.
Also, on a bigger scale, make sure that your attic is properly insulated. Experts estimate that a well-insulated attic space could save you up to 50% on your home’s energy costs!
Secret #5: Regular HVAC Maintenance
This is a very important, but sometimes overlooked task that will certainly help you reduce your home energy usage. A maintenance check will ensure that your home’s HVAC system is not only functioning, but also working as efficiently as possible. An HVAC system that needs some TLC will end up costing you extra money on your home’s energy bills. Prevent this from happening and schedule a maintenance call with a trusted HVAC professional.
If you need a maintenance check in the San Diego area, then check out our HVAC maintenance program, which makes taking care of your HVAC system effortless. Call Sheldon's Heating & Air Conditioning today to find out more details: 877-274-1882.
