As a homeowner, you probably do everything possible to keep your home comfortable throughout the year without breaking the bank with high energy bills. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple ways to optimize the efficiency of your HVAC system and reduce your energy consumption. But if you are a new homeowner, you might not know how to do this.
At R & D Heating and Air, we understand how important it is for homeowners to keep their homes comfortable throughout the warmest and coldest months of the year. However, you might not know where to begin to maintain your indoor temperature without raising your energy bills. Keep reading to learn our top 10 energy-saving tips that will help keep your home comfortable while also saving money on your utility bills.
1. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
If you want to keep your home comfortable, even if you aren’t home to adjust your thermostat, you should invest in a programmable smart thermostat. With these thermostats, you can lower the temperature of your home while you’re at work and schedule it to automatically adjust to a warmer temperature before you return home. This small adjustment can lead to significant energy savings over time.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks not only allow warmed and cooled air to escape your home but may also be responsible for warm and cool air infiltration. These air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork can cause your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Seal any gaps or cracks with weatherstripping or caulking to prevent air from escaping and keep your home more insulated.
3. Improve Insulation
Proper insulation is essential for keeping your home comfortable year-round. If you’ve moved into a new home and it isn’t staying as warm or cool as you’d like, it might be time to inspect your insulation. You can add insulation to your attic, walls, and floors to prevent heat transfer and reduce the workload on your HVAC system. This increased insulation can also lead to substantial energy savings and a more consistent indoor temperature.
4. Keep Vents Clear
Keeping air vents clear of obstructions is an essential part of caring for your HVAC system. Ensure your vents and registers are not blocked by furniture, curtains, and other obstacles. Any blocked vents restrict airflow and force your HVAC system to work harder to maintain your desired temperature. Keep vents clear to maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency and keep your home comfortable all year long.
5. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to distribute air more evenly throughout your space and keep your home comfortable, helping push air from your HVAC system. If you don’t have ceiling fans in your home, you should consider installing them in rooms you spend a great deal of time in. If you do, set your fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling. In the summer, set them to rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze.
6. Use Curtains and Blinds
During the summer months, you may want to open curtains and blinds to allow plenty of sunlight into your space. However, keeping them closed during the hottest part of the day blocks out sunlight and prevents heat gain. In the winter months, open your curtains during the day to allow sunlight to naturally warm your home, then close them at night to retain heat. By using your curtains accordingly, you can aid your HVAC system’s heating and cooling process.
7. Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows can help prevent heat transfer and reduce the workload on your HVAC system. If you have older, single-pane windows or you feel cold and warm air infiltration when you’re near these windows, you might want to consider making the investment in new, more energy-efficient options for your home. Look for windows with low-emissivity coatings and multiple panes of glass to improve insulation and keep your home more comfortable year-round.
8. Regularly Change Air Filters
Changing out your air filters regularly is a great way to ensure your HVAC system is working properly. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of your system. Check your filters regularly and replace them as needed. On average, your air filters should be replaced once every one to three months. This simple maintenance task can improve indoor air quality, extend the life of your system, and keep your home comfortable no matter the weather.
9. Consider HVAC Upgrades
If your HVAC system is outdated or inefficient, you may spend a great deal of time and money on making repairs, and you might want to consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model to keep your home comfortable. Newer systems are often designed to use less energy while providing better performance and comfort. Although the initial cost of investing in an upgraded system may be higher, the long-term savings in energy bills can make it a worthwhile investment.
10. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring that your HVAC system operates efficiently. Without proper maintenance, you may experience unexpected breakdowns that make it difficult to keep your home comfortable through warm and cold weather. Schedule annual tune-ups with a professional technician to clean filters, check for leaks, and ensure all components are working properly. A well-maintained system will use less energy and last longer.
Keep Your Home Comfortable Year-Round with R & D Heating and Air
If you want to schedule HVAC maintenance to keep your home comfortable in the Northern Utah area, turn to our team at R & D Heating and Air. We have over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry, making us the perfect choice for installing, tuning up, and maintaining your home’s HVAC system as well.
In addition to HVAC maintenance, our team performs air vent cleanings, installs home humidifiers, repairs gas fireplaces, and much more. No matter what HVAC service you need, our team is here to help. If you would like to schedule maintenance to keep your home comfortable year-round, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.