Conserving energy means saving money. The trick is to conserve energy while keeping your Saint Louis home comfortable. Here are some tips on how to cut costs without sacrificing comfort:
Install a Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can automatically reduce energy use to save on heating and cooling costs. Set the device to turn back the heat or AC for eight hours while you’re away from home or asleep. You’ll save up to 15 percent on utility bills every year. For anyone who wants the savings but can’t deal with the programming, a learning thermostat will figure it all out for you.
Schedule Seasonal HVAC Tune-ups
Preventive maintenance equals greater energy efficiency and improved equipment performance for greater indoor comfort. When your air conditioner and heater are serviced annually, you’ll save up to 40 percent on utility bills. You’ll also reduce potential equipment breakdowns by up to 95 percent. Well-serviced systems last longer than their poorly serviced counterparts, so you’ll save on HVAC replacement costs, too.
Have Your Ductwork Cleaned and Sealed
Most Saint Louis homeowners don’t think about ductwork. It’s hidden away behind the walls, so it’s easy to forget. However, leaky and dirty ducts can cost you money every day. Even a light layer of grunge in your ductwork can obstruct airflow. Restricted airflow can damage your HVAC equipment and cause utility bills to go up. Duct cleaning can fix that. Meanwhile, 30 percent of treated air can escape through cracked and leaky ducts. Sealing ductwork keeps treated air inside where it belongs. Ducts only need servicing every several years, but the return on investment can be substantial.
Replace HVAC Air Filters Often
Allowing your HVAC system to operate with a filthy filter will eventually destroy your equipment. However, before a clogged filter brings down your system, it will cost you a fortune in energy consumption. Replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one can instantly cut energy costs by up to 15 percent.
Increase Water Heater Efficiency
Most water heaters are set at 140°F by default. If you reduce that setting to 120°F, you can cut water heating costs by up to five percent per year. Insulating your water heater with an insulation blanket can save up to 16 percent annually. You can save even more by fixing any leaky faucets immediately. A leaky tap can increase your water bill by up to $35 over the course of a year.
Insulate Your Home
Adding energy-efficient insulation to your home can net you an annual energy savings of up to 50 percent. Insulation can be added to the attic, basement, crawl spaces and even the main floor. Insulating your home may also qualify you for a tax credit or other energy-efficient incentive. Check with your HVAC contractor for details.
Consider an Energy-Efficient Heating or Air Conditioning Installation
Thanks to ever-expanding technology, modern HVAC systems get more efficient by the minute. Inverter technology, modulating furnaces, variable-speed blower motors and other HVAC innovations can cut energy costs by 50 percent or more. Variable speed systems generate precisely the output that’s needed to maintain the thermostat setting at any given moment. These state-of-the-art systems have longer running times and slower running speeds. However, they can ramp up into high gear when greater output is required. By comparison, old-school HVAC systems are either on or off.
Variable speed systems boast precision airflow and quiet operation. Air is constantly flowing through the system, so indoor air is cleaner, fresher and healthier. Precision airflow produces even and consistent temperatures throughout your home while reducing drafts and hot or cold spots.
The professionals at the Indoor Comfort Team can help you to conserve energy while enjoying a more comfortable and efficient home. Call us today to learn more about our comprehensive HVAC services.
