Steps For Energy Efficiency

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature can be difficult and expensive as the result of poor insulation, improperly sealed openings and outdated equipment. Adding insulation, sealing cracks and installing a newer, energy efficient heating and cooling system keeps your home energy costs low.

In addition to these solutions, try any of the tips below to save even more:

  1. Preventative maintenance. Keep your heating and cooling system at peak performance by changing your air filter every three months and checking the thermostat settings so the heating and cooling system turns on and off at the programmed temperatures. Also consider having a qualified technician perform routine heating and cooling maintenance to prevent future problems.
  2. Programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat helps save money on heating and cooling costs. Set the “hold” button at a constant energy-saving temperature during the day when no one is home and at bedtime. Resist overriding the pre-programmed settings, every time you do, energy consumption increases, along with your energy bill.
  3. Improve heating and cooling ducts. Improving your home’s duct system increases your HVAC system’s overall performance and efficiency. Often, air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts, leading to high utility bills and difficulty keeping the temperature comfortable. Seal leaks using mastic sealant or metal (foil) tape. Do not use duct tape. Finally, check that the connections where vents and registers meet the floors, walls and ceilings are well sealed.
  4. Seal and insulate. Make your home more comfortable by sealing hidden air leaks and adding insulation. Seal air leaks before you install insulation with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping. Insulation keeps your home warm in winter and cool in the summer while delivering a low cost energy bill. Often, the easiest place to add insulation is usually in the attic.
  5. Change equipment. Switch to the most energy efficient heating and cooling equipment. Upgrading your furnace, boiler, central air conditioner and heat pump can increase the comfort of your home while saving energy and eventually money.
  6. Use a heating and cooling contractor. Whether scheduling an equipment maintenance check-up or purchasing and installing new heating and cooling equipment, make sure to choose the right contractor. If installing new equipment, make sure it is properly sized for your home and a contractor installs it properly.

After doing any type of work on air leakage or insulation, it is recommended that a heating and cooling professional checks to make sure everything is venting properly.

For more information on steps for energy efficiency from the experts at Pro-Tech Heating & Cooling, please contact us here or call us directly at 616.453.5000.

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