It’s the beginning of a new year, and if you’re like most people, you’ve probably given some thought to resolutions for improvement. For some personal pledges that will actually save you money while improving comfort in your southwest Arizona home, make some HVAC resolutions. These are relatively simple steps you can take to save energy and enhance comfort.
HVAC Resolutions
- If you don’t already have one, install a programmable thermostat. Program the device to set back the temperature several degrees when you’re at work every day, and in the winter when you’re asleep. You’ll benefit from not having to adjust the thermostat manually.
- Inspect your HVAC air filter once a month, and if looks clogged with dust, replace it. Maintaining smooth airflow will improve efficiency and performance.
- Use curtains to save energy. On sunny winter afternoons, open curtains, shutters and drapes, and let the sunshine in. At night, close coverings to add a layer of warming insulation. In the summer, close window coverings against the hot sun.
- Replace old, inefficient light bulbs. Replace incandescent bulbs in your home with Energy Star-rated CFLs or LEDs.
- Save energy and money on water heating. Wrap the hot water pipes in insulating tape, and turn the heat down on the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. That should be enough for most household uses.
- Use ceiling fans to save energy in both summer and winter. You probably already realize ceiling fans in the summer can make you feel cooler, but did you know they can help make your home feel warmer in the winter? Change the fan blade rotation from counterclockwise to clockwise, so the fan blows air upwards. This will displace warm air near the ceiling, and force it down where people can feel it.
- Schedule regular preventative maintenance on your heating and cooling equipment. It will operate more efficiently and last longer without repairs.
For more energy-saving HVAC resolutions, please contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Co., providing quality service and installation to the Yuma area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “vesna-cvorovic/Shutterstock”
