A HVAC system that’s well-managed can use much less energy than one that is not. Routinely having your HVAC system serviced can improve productivity and help save you money in electric costs. Luckily, there’s even more you can do to boost your house’s energy efficiency. Here are some easy actions you can take take to improve your Rapid City home.
- Secure any leaks around your windows and doors. Even miniscule cracks can let heat or cool air leave your house. Add caulk or weatherstripping wherever you find leaks.
- Use your windows. If it’s cooler at night, turn off your air conditioning and open the windows. After you get up in the morning, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to keep the cooler air in and to stop heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is usually associated with keeping your home cozy in the winter, but it also helps you out in the warmer months. Heat is constantly seeking cooler spaces—like your home. Sufficient insulation prevents heat from passing through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air flows easier through your home when your ducts are open. That makes your air conditioner’s job simpler.
- Make sure your ducts are accurately sealed to block air leaks and insulate them if necessary. You’re losing valuable heated or cooled air if your ducts have leaks. Tightly sealing and insulating ducts is even more important if they are in the attic, a vented crawlspace or any other unconditioned space.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats make managing your home comfort and efficiency easy. You can automatically adjust your temperature when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping while avoiding discomfort because your home’s temperature will return to normal when needed.
- If you choose not to use a programmable thermostat, avoid setting your thermostat at a chillier setting when you turn on your air conditioner. You might think it will cool your home at a faster rate, but the time it takes to cool won’t be impacted. You’ll just cost yourself more in energy.
- Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. To help keep your cooling bill low, make sure the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is as close as possible. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7° to 10°F from its normal setting for eight hours a day. Using a ceiling fan in partnership with your air conditioner can let you raise your thermostat a little more. You can raise your setting by about 4°F without negatively affecting your comfort.
- Limit heat-generating appliances near your thermostat. If you’re placing lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances around your thermostat, it can cause your air conditioner to run for an extended time because it senses heat from these appliances and thinks your home needs cooling.
- Invest in new, energy-efficient equipment. If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping up with your home-comfort needs, call Street Heating and Cooling for an evaluation. It could be time to replace it with ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment that can lower your annual energy bill by more than $115, according to energystar.gov.
If you’re interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency, call Street Heating and Cooling at 605-206-3915. Our experts can help you think about solutions, energy-efficient equipment or schedule a regular maintenance appointment. You can also schedule your appointment online using our online scheduler.