We all care about saving money, and it’s an added bonus if we can help the environment at the same time. If you feel energy conservation is an important aspect of home-ownership, then there are a few steps you must take to ensure that you are conserving the maximum amount of energy possible.
Attic and Window Sealing
Set up an appointment to have Comfort Experts inspect your entire home system, making sure your heating or cooling isn’t escaping out of your attic or windows. Not only is the energy used to heat your home in winter or cool it down in summer being wasted by leaky windows or an attic lacking in proper insulation, but you are also basically waving your hard-earned cash goodbye. It is quite literally going out the window.
Look online for your state’s recommendation for insulation thickness for your attic, and schedule an inspection. Your heating and cooling bill may be higher than it needs to be if your attic has not been properly insulated, is insulated with low-quality material, or has been deteriorating and needs to be replaced. Not only will this help your energy costs, but it will also ensure your family is breathing in clean air rather than dust or particles flowing from the attic. Windows must also be properly installed and sealed to diminish the amount of air leaking through.
Duct Work
Properly sealed ducts in your home will not only decrease the leakage of air used to either heat or cool your home, but they will also ensure that harmful toxins are released outside. Appliances such as water heaters, clothes dryers, and furnaces release combustion gases, like carbon monoxide, through their ventilation systems. Ductwork leakage can cause back drafting, resulting in these gases to be drawn back into the living space. These gases, as well as dust particles that enter your duct system, can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms as well.
Heating and AC Units
A natural resource for heating your home in colder months is through the use of solar heating. Utilize solar panels for the winter months if you live in a four-seasonal climate, but avoid the use of solar panels in you live in a more southern state. For those who do live in a warmer climate, utilize natural shade if you are building a new home, or consider adding trees for natural solar control. It is also important to take into account the placement of your AC unit. By placing it in a naturally more shaded area, you are reducing the amount of work it has to do. Also, the selection of fluorescent lighting and taking advantage of the natural light in your home are easy solutions for better energy conservation.
Homeowners may also find having an energy audit of their home proves to be a smart investment. Energy audits are an inexpensive option when you consider the amount of money you can save over the years by applying certain energy-efficient elements to your home design.
It is important to determine the level of importance that conserving energy has in your home. There are many simple ways to improve efficiency, and these steps will lead you on the path to a cleaner environment and lower billing statement. Call Comfort Experts now to see how we can help.
