With energy costs steadily rising, many homeowners are concerning themselves with ways in which they can help minimize their costs while still keeping themselves comfortable during the summer. Fortunately, there are many ways in which they can enjoy the utility of their systems without having to worry about the rising costs. By simply following some of these easy to understand guidelines, individuals will be better equipped for the hotter months while still making a significant change in what they expect to pay.
To begin with, it is important to seal your vents and make sure that no cool air is wasted. Check your system and be sure to plug up any holes to make sure that everything is functioning as it should. Inexpensive plastic film can be readily applied in such situations, providing immediate insulation at a very affordable cost. Foam and caulking solutions may also be considered, especially if you want a little bit extra insulation in your attic space.
Another extremely important part of taking care of your home in order to encourage energy efficiency is to keep your filters clean. One of the biggest problems to energy efficiency is dirty filters, as not only do they clog up and force the system to work harder, but they can also damage the quality of the air in your home by recirculating stale and contaminated air. Many experts believe that it is crucial to have your air conditioning filters cleaned once every few months, with a once every month standard ensuring continued quality services. Changing your filters is very easy, and cleaning them yourself can be just as simple, involving a process of running water through them and allowing them to dry. Clean filters are the key to a clean home.
Another great way to save on your energy bill is to program thermostat hardware in order to better suit your exact needs. Most modern thermostats are programmable, which means that they can allow the temperature to change throughout the day, allowing energy to avoid being wasted when nobody is home during certain hours, and then turning the air conditioning on when you do come home. While most modern system today come with readily programmable thermostats, most people do not use them as often as they should, and this means that their systems will have to work harder when they are not especially needed.
In order to better save money on your future bills, while optimizing the health and efficiency of your system, it can be a very good idea to hire professionals to inspect your system every now and then. Many experts believe that you should service your unit once per year, allowing the appropriate professionals to check for mold, rust, and dirt build up which can result in a poorly running system. It is also possible for you to give your home the check that it needs by working with an energy auditor. Look into leaks and other potential problems in order to maximize your savings while minimizing future problems in the hardware.
