7 Energy Saving Tips To Help Keep Costs Under Control

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling expenses account for about 56% of the energy used in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homeowners.  When looking for ways to save energy in your home, be sure to think not only about improving your existing heating and cooling system, but to also consider the energy efficiency of the supporting equipment and the possibility of either adding supplementary sources of heating or cooling or simply replacing your system altogether.

Here are 7 tips for greater energy savings:

• If you’re replacing your furnace, look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. The national minimum is 78% AFUE, but there are Energy Star models on the market that exceed 90% AFUE.

• Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month, or as needed.

• Turn off kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing to retain heated air.

• Install a programmable thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature according to your schedule.

• Seal around windows and doors with caulk and foam weatherizing strips.

• Insulate heating ducts in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces and keep them in good repair to prevent heat loss of up to 60% at the registers.

• Make sure your furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year to prevent inefficient operation and reduce operating costs by about 30%.

There are many other simple ways that homeowners can gain energy savings.   For example, lowering your thermostat by 10°–15° for 8 hours can save you up to 15% a year on your heating bill—a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long.

Ask us about more ways to get energy savings.  We can help you to heat and cool your home for less.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about how to save energy and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.

Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning serves the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.