No matter what time of year it is, energy savings are always important to North Texas homeowners. To get started, we’ve compiled 10 tips that will help you achieve maximum energy savings so that you’re ready for summer:
- Perform an annual inspection – If you want to know exactly how well your home’s operating in regard to energy usage, hire a professional to inspect your HVAC system and ductwork.
- Use a programmable thermostat – Installation of a programmable thermostat will help you control when your system turns on and off, which can equal tremendous energy savings.
- Seal up cracks and gaps – Air leakage is one of the biggest causes of energy loss. Depending on the size of the problem, you may need either caulk, spray foam or weatherstripping.
- Use appliances at night – If you use appliances during the day that generate heat, your A/C unit will be forced to work harder to keep your home cool.
- Switch out your bulbs – A quick and easy way to save some energy is to switch your incandescent bulbs for their fluorescent successors.
- Turn off fans – The intent of a fan is to cool a person, not a room. So if you leave a room, make sure the fan isn’t left on.
- Shut the blinds – If you leave your blinds or curtains open, sunlight will quickly heat up a room.
- Unplug electronic devices – Some devices, such as cell phones and microwaves, use energy if they’re plugged into the wall.
- Ask your utility company about time-of-use – These plans are increasing in popularity. By agreeing to use energy during off-peak hours, you’ll be given a discount for those times.
- Request a fixed bill – Another option is to ask for a fixed bill, which will average out your energy usage for a year so you’re paying the same amount each month.
If you have more questions about energy savings or home comfort in general, the friendly technicians at Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating are here to help. We’ve been serving McKinney, Frisco, Allen and their surrounding areas for over 31 years.