Take These Simple Steps to Boost Your Homes Energy Efficiency

December 16, 2014

Not only does your home’s energy efficiency give you a clue about how efficiently your heating and cooling system is operating, but it gives you a means to save more money. Taking steps to increase your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be a huge, expensive project. There are many easy ways to do it: replacing your furnace filters when necessary, using a programmable thermostat and keeping lights and electronics off when you don’t need them.

The efficiency of your HVAC system can make a huge impact when it comes to saving money on energy. The more severe winter and summer months in Rapid City mean your HVAC system will be working overtime, so now is the time to ensure it’s running efficiently. Your wallet will thank you.

If your air filters are dirty, it’s more difficult for air to pass through them. This makes your heating and cooling system work harder than necessary, and your energy efficiency plummets. Not only that, but this additional work can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your system that could cause you to have to replace it sooner than you’d have to. Plus, clean filters ensure more comfortable, clean air in your home.

When it comes to the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling system, you need to bear in mind its age. In general, newer systems are significantly more efficient. Be sure to take that in consideration when you need to make repairs to an older system. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 12 to 15 years. So, if your system is close to that age, consider the cost of repair with the cost of a new system, factoring in potential energy rebates and the cost savings you’ll see on your utility bills.

Here are some other steps to make your home more energy efficient:

  • Make sure your home is insulated well.
  • Be on the lookout for air leaks around your doors and windows and seal them and/or add weatherstripping.
  • Keep your kitchen and laundry appliances clean, especially where they have ventilation.

Making your home more energy efficient can be no problem, especially when our team at Street Heating and Cooling in Rapid City can help you. Regardless if you’re looking for ideas to keep your current system running more efficiently or you’re looking to replace it, call us at 605-206-3915. We’re ready to help!