The system you use to heat or cool your home is probably the largest influences on how much energy you use, and how much it costs. If your HVAC system needs updating, make sure the technician you hire is knowledgeable. The following article provides the information you need to hire the right professional.
Be sure to get every quote or estimate in written form. You have no recourse on a verbal agreement, so a written contract is a must. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don’t get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.
Let your friends and family know about the discounts that are possible via ENERGY STAR. There’s a lot of savings that can be had here, so why hold this good news all to yourself! You can save those closest to you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
Make sure the equipment you are buying is ENERGY STAR compliant. It may seem a small thing, but it isn’t. Products that are ENERGY STAR compliant can save you a lot of money in energy costs over the year. It can be over $100 easily, sometimes a lot more.
In order to avoid having any problems with your air conditioning unit, keep all vegetation at least two feet away from the outdoor unit. The unit should be clear of any vegetation on all sides and above. When you mow the lawn, aim the grass clippings away from the a/c unit. This will prevent grass getting inside the a/c and making it malfunction.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Try shooting the clippings away from it. If you’re blowing leaves, this same problem can occur, so make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it.
Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. You save money this way because the air conditioner is now pulling in cooler air, which is easier to cool further.
If you own your own home or have permission from your landlord, replace your single pane windows with double paned versions. Double pane windows will help keep your home cooler in the summer. Your home will also stay warmer in the winter.
Save energy use and money by turning off the air conditioner if there is nobody home. The house will heat up, but not too much. However, leaving it on increases your electric bill and wear and tear on the system.
To reduce the air conditioning’s energy cost, close drapes, blinds and shades that cover windows which face the sun. Also, white shades will reflect the heat away from the house, keeping it cooler and saving you money. It is also recommended that you close the vents in rooms that are not used often. This will ensure that you are not spending money cooling less-used rooms.
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. This will block heat from coming in, which means that less energy will be needed to keep your home cool. If done correctly, this also enables you to start using your attic as a living space.
If you want to pay for less power use, consider installing an HVAC-specific solar panel system. Such an installation harnesses the power of the sun directly for your heating and air conditioning. Don’t worry though; you can have a switch put in that automatically connects to the power grid the days there isn’t enough sun.