Turning off the lights when you leave a room is probably a habit formed in your youth due to your parents’ frequent reminders. This is a good step in the right direction for lowering your utility bills but check out some additional ways to achieve a greener, more energy-efficient home:
- HVAC maintenance – A service agreement is a good idea to ensure you get routine yearly maintenance on your heating and cooling systems. It will also extend the life of your equipment and identify problems before they become costly repairs. Change your filters as needed, too.
- Replace furnace – Get a newer, more energy-efficient furnace if you notice your heating bills are higher than it should be, and it’s been 10-15 years since you last upgraded your furnace. Long-term savings will be worth it.
- Energy Star labeled appliances – Shop for appliances bearing the Energy Star label. This is the federal government’s mark of energy efficiency excellence.
- Solar panels – Photovoltaic panels produce some or all of the energy for your home. Talk to a professional to see if solar panels work for you.
- Add insulation – A small step that makes a big difference in your energy costs, in both winter and summer.
- Seal air leaks – The single most helpful step in having a more energy-efficient home is sealing air leaks. Caulk around windows and install weatherstripping around doors. Have an HVAC professional check ductwork, attics and basements for leaks, as well.
- Eliminate phantom energy loss – Appliances can suck energy even when not in use just by being plugged in. Unplug appliances when not in use.
- Switch light bulbs – Use Energy Star certified fluorescent light bulbs. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving on utility bills.
- Install low-flow plumbing fixtures – Shower heads and faucets save money without sacrificing pressure.
- Programmable thermostat – You can save up to 10 percent on energy bills by using a programmable thermostat to automatically lower your temperatures at night and while you’re away from home.
For more great tips to make your home more energy-efficient, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. With more than 50 years combined HVAC experience, we are the right choice for your Lorain, Erie or Cuyahoga county home.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy efficiency and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area