Energy Efficiency Resolutions for the New Year
3 Ways to Save More Energy in 2021
January is a great time to take stock of your home and make plans for the coming year. Yet, how often are your heating and cooling systems included in your New Year’s resolutions? Chances are, not usually. If you are looking for ways to be more energy-efficient and save money this year, you should look at your indoor air systems.
Your heating and cooling systems run silently in the background all year long. In the winter, your heater keeps you warm, and in the summer, your air conditioner keeps you cool. Your indoor air systems are also responsible for the air quality in your home and maintaining air circulating even when it’s not actively heating or cooling.
This year, resolve to improve the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling system with the following three, simple steps:
Resolution #1: Schedule Seasonal Maintenance with a Professional
Do you know if your heater and air conditioner are operating at peak efficiency? For the average homeowner, it’s hard to tell. While you know when your system isn’t working, knowing if it’s working well is a bit more difficult to ascertain. The best way to ensure your system runs smoothly is to schedule seasonal inspections and maintenance with a reliable, trained service technician, like ours at Airrific Air Conditioning and Heating.
During your bi-annual maintenance appointment, your service professional will inspect your entire system, check its operation, and identify any repair issues. Things like dirty air filters, inadequate coolant, and worn-out parts can all cause your system to lose efficiency. By performing routine maintenance and making small repairs, you not only reap energy savings, but you get more out of your current systems and potentially extend their lifespan.
At Airrific Air Conditioning and Heating, we make heating, cooling, and indoor air system maintenance simple. With our Preferred Customer Program, customers receive routine maintenance visits, special service rates, and exclusive club discounts. Sign up and start saving energy and money today.
Resolution #2: Update Outdated Appliances & Systems
When well-maintained, most heating and cooling systems will last for at least a decade. However, as they near the end of their lifespan, they lose efficiency. If your AC or heater is eight years old or older, you should start planning to replace it with a new model. New models on the market are designed to be significantly more energy-efficient and have more advanced features. Even with the new unit’s initial cost, you will save money over time on reduced energy bills.
Similarly, installing a new, programable thermostat can help boost the efficiency of your current system. Smart thermostats have many new features, such as adaptive scheduling and eco-modes that turn on when you are away from home. You can even control your thermostat from your cellphone!
For more information, read our blog on how to tell if your system is outdated.
Resolution #3: Take Measures to Support Your Heating & Cooling System
When considering how your home can be more energy efficient in the new year, you also want to look at your indoor air system’s supporting appliances. Things like ceiling fans can help circulate air more effectively, meaning that your air conditioner and heater do not need to run as long. Similarly, checking the ventilation and insulation in your attic is just as important. Many homes lose a lot of their heat during the winter through their attics and crawlspaces. The more heat that escapes, the more difficulty your heater has keeping your home comfortable.
Another great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to install energy-efficient windows. Though this is a significant investment, it makes an even more substantial difference in your home’s comfort levels. Because they are better insulated, you will have less heat and cooling loss, meaning your systems will not need to run as often or for as long, saving you money. Furthermore, there may be rebates and tax credits available for homeowners who convert to energy-efficient windows. As a bonus, you may even notice that your home is quieter and noise from outside is reduced!
Need Air Conditioning Maintenance? Talk to your air conditioning repair experts at Airrific Air Conditioning & Heating today! Call (941) 371-3355.