5 Tips to Maintain Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency can impact the monthly bills in your Rocky Face, Georgia, home. By implementing a few small changes in the way you operate and maintain your HVAC system, you can preserve energy and enjoy cost savings. Here are five tips to maintain your home’s energy efficiency:

Upgrade the Windows

The windows in your home play a major role in its overall efficiency. Old and leaky windows allow for significant energy loss, often in the form of heated and cooled air. If you notice a draft when you’re sitting next to a closed window in the house, it’s probably time to consider an upgrade.

Newer windows have high-efficiency ratings. Replacing outdated windows with these upgraded versions can increase the property value. You should also notice a substantial difference in your energy bills after replacing the old windows.

As you’re checking your windows for air loss, take a look at the exterior doors in your home as well. If you can see any light coming through or feel air from outside, it may be time to replace the weather-stripping at the bottom of the door.

Alter Your Thermostat Schedule

A programmable thermostat makes it easier to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Many people don’t take the time to set a schedule. Instead, they make manual adjustments as the outdoor temperature shifts. As a result, the HVAC system has to cycle on and off more frequently, which uses more energy. By programming your thermostat based on the times you’re typically home or away, you can reduce energy waste without sacrificing home comfort.

While you’re adjusting the thermostat, consider raising or lowering it by a few degrees, depending on the season. That subtle change could save you a lot each month. In the summer, keep your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher for savings. In the winter, set it to 68 or lower.

Swap Out Old Light Bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs haven’t been produced by manufacturers for several years. Some people still have them in their homes, though.

If you have these inefficient bulbs in your light fixtures, know that upgrading to LED or compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs can save you quite a bit of energy and money. LED bulbs are more expensive than CFL bulbs, but they last longer and use less energy. The average home contains 40 light bulbs. Therefore, making the switch to more efficient bulbs is a good way to improve efficiency.

Maintain Your HVAC

Your HVAC system requires some regular maintenance to operate as efficiently as possible. Many homeowners overlook the importance of this maintenance until something goes wrong with the heating and cooling system. By keeping up with maintenance before something stops working, you can protect your investment and enjoy efficient heating and cooling all year.

During a maintenance service, an HVAC service technician tests the system to make sure it has plenty of airflow and can reach the set temperature. The service also involves checking the components within the unit to make sure everything is functioning properly. Most manufacturers recommend having your furnace tuned up every fall and your air conditioner maintained every spring.

Consider Your Laundry Habits

Certain laundry habits may also be making your home less efficient. Washing frequently on the hot setting can cost you since your water heater has to produce more hot water. Using your clothes dryer for long periods of time is also costly, whether you’re paying in the form of a gas or electric bill.

Instead, wash your clothes on cold or warm to lessen the energy required to heat the water. Hanging your clothing to dry is also more efficient than tumbling everything in the dryer, and it can extend the life of your favorite apparel pieces.

Energy efficiency is important to consider because it can impact your wallet on a monthly basis. If your HVAC system isn’t operating efficiently or you need to schedule maintenance service, the skilled service technicians at Dalton Heating & Air can help. Contact us at 706-619-2799 today.

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