5 Tips To Improve Your Home or Businesses Energy Efficiency
A recent study by the US Department of Energy (DOE) found that the average household in the US spends at least 2,200 annually on energy bills. Interestingly enough, heating and cooling account for nearly half of that amount. On the other hand, small businesses in America collectively spend more than $60 billion on energy every year.
When it comes to improving the energy efficiency of your home or office, no one understands the best strategies like an HVAC contractor does. One of the specialties of an HVAC technician is knowing and implementing the most effective approach to help lower those power bills. They understand practical methods to make your heating or cooling system perform well so that you can reduce your energy use. Since no one wants to pay more than necessary for their utilities, it is worth meeting with an HVAC contractor.
Townsend Energy offers a full range of heating and cooling services including AC tune-ups, HVAC repairs, furnace replacements, and more. We can assess the energy efficiency of your home or business and make suggestions on how you can effectively lower your power bills. We offer free estimates and consultations. Call our office today by clicking on the button below.
With that in mind, here are five energy saving tips to improve your home or businesses energy efficiency.
5 Tips To Improve Your Home or Businesses Energy Efficiency
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Seal Building’s Envelope
Air leaks through the components of your building’s envelope including floors, doors, outer walls, windows, skylights, and roof could increase your energy costs by as much as 20%, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). What’s more, such leaks account for as much energy loss as a window left open throughout the year in a typical home, says the DOE.
To prevent energy waste through such leaks, you should hire a professional HVAC contractor to test your building for air tightness and more importantly, seal all the air leaks in the building’s envelope. While at it, ensure the HVAC contractor also insulates your home properly. Insulation is important because most homes in America lack adequate insulation, according to the DOE. By doing this, you will be able to reduce your energy consumption and therefore cut your energy costs.
Seal And Insulate Your Air Ducts
Studies show that a leaky duct system loses anywhere from 20% to 30% of conditioned air due to leaks, holes and poor connections. Additionally, leaky air ducts cause your HVAC system to work longer and harder, increasing your building’s energy consumption. Some of the telltale signs of leaking ducts include dirt and debris buildup in the house, inadequate heating, and above-average energy bills.
If you notice any of these signs, you should get a licensed HVAC contractor to inspect your ductwork and insulate it properly. Remember, air leaks in the return side of the duct system are generally difficult to detect because return ducts operate at lower air pressure. To detect leaks in return duct, licensed HVAC technicians use diagnostic tools such as duct-blaster, blower-door and pressure-pan tests to detect air leaks in your ductwork. To improve your building’s energy efficiency, the HVAC technician will seal and insulate your ductwork.
HVAC System Maintenance
Ensure your air conditioning system is in pristine working condition. In particular, you should get a professional HVAC contractor to clean and replace your system’s air filter regularly. Additionally, you should schedule a thorough HVAC tune-up and cleaning at least once a year.
Install ENERGY STAR Certified Windows
If you replace your old windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows, you can lower your energy bills by as much as 15% and reduce your home’s carbon footprint at the same time, says the DOE. In addition to installing ENERGY STAR certified windows, you should use caulk and weather-strip around your doors and windows to stop air leaks.
Invest In A Programmable Thermostat
The Energy Star says that nearly 45% of a typical home’s energy use goes towards heating and cooling. Unfortunately, heating or cooling some empty spaces accounts for a lot of this energy. Many homeowners and business owners heat or cool their buildings when no one is there. This situation is where a programmable thermostat comes in handy.
This type of thermostat automatically regulates the temperature based on the schedule that you set for it, leading to energy saving. In fact, the DOE says this type of thermostat can help you reduce your annual energy costs by about $180. This amount may not sound like much, but you would be surprised.
Energy Saving Tips
To improve your home or businesses energy efficiency, hire a qualified HVAC technician to seal and insulate your building’s envelope and ductwork. Additionally, invest in a programmable thermostat and replace your old windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows.
Townsend Energy provides heating and cooling services to commercial and residential properties. We offer HVAC maintenance, repairs, replacements, and much more. You can count on our experienced and licensed technicians to perform superior work in your home or office. Even better, when working with us, you will receive the highest quality work for the most affordable prices. We believe in prioritizing our customers needs to ensure that their satisfaction is met. Call today to schedule an appointment.
Contact us now at (800) 888-2888 to find out more!