Use the programmable thermostat regularly
Install a programmable thermostat at home, so it’s impossible to forget to turn the AC down when you leave the house. If a homeowner has work from 8 am to 5 pm every day, they can set the thermostat to cool less when no one is at home.
To save on energy bills, set the thermostat to ten degrees warmer in the summer and ten degrees cooler in the winter. According to the Sleep Foundation, the perfect temperature for sleep is 65 degrees Fahrenheit; give or take a few degrees for personal preference. Schedule the thermostat to slowly cool the house down leading up to bedtime rather than changing it drastically at one time. This practice saves on energy and helps the people of the household sleep more restfully.
Conduct regular AC and heating inspections
Most homeowners and renters forego regular HVAC system checkups to save money. Often, inaction allows fixable issues to go unnoticed and become much greater matters for the future. In general, an annual unit inspection suffices for a single-unit heating and air conditioning system, meaning the unit provides both heating and cooling for the home.
If the heating system is separate from the cooling system, we recommend two annual inspections per year. During the inspection, also have the ductwork looked at for leaks. Leaky ducts are a nightmare for energy costs. When spotted early on, a professional can seal seeping ducts easily.
Upgrade the home’s insulation
Insulation plays a crucial role in home energy efficiency. Thin patches of insulation allow air to seep out and waste precious resources. In most cases, during the HVAC inspection, the professional air conditioning company should diagnose areas that need patching. Many companies also offer home energy audits to analyze other areas of concern. With this information, the parties involved can plan to make the unit and home more eco-friendly.
Plant some trees
Natural shade keeps the home cooler and causes the AC system to work less. Planting trees and other greenery outside the home are not just great for curb appeal but can help lower the energy use of the air conditioning unit.
Get a high-efficiency HVAC system
Old air conditioning units use certain types of Freon, which damage the ozone. Many of these units have been phased out and replaced with new HVAC systems to lessen the negative impact on the planet. Additionally, a homeowner should consider upgrading to a high-efficiency unit if their system is more than eight years old. Heating and cooling units are assigned a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the SEER, the better the unit is at energy efficiency.
Making an impact can start at home. Implementing some of the above changes to the HVAC system and its connected parts can reduce energy consumption, lower electric bills, and help the people at home sleep better each night.