The best way to save money on your utility bill is to make your home as energy efficient as possible. In our region, that usually means keeping the heat out and the air conditioning inside for at least most of the year, since Yuma has such a prolonged cooling season. But energy efficiency is also important during our short heating season. It just makes good sense to put efficient practices to work all year long.
These tips can ensure that you’re being energy efficient and saving on energy no matter what the season.
- Invest in energy efficient HVAC equipment. If you’re running an old HVAC system (10 years old or more), there’s no way you’re going to get peak efficiency. Today’s modern HVAC equipment uses 30% to 50% less energy than air conditioners made in the ’70s to produce the same amount of cooling. So if it’s time to replace your HVAC equipment, do so with the knowledge that you may save 20% to 40% more on your energy bill.
- Seal your home. Most new homes are built to be airtight. However, over time, houses can shift, causing minute cracks. These cracks will allow conditioned air to leak out and outside air to get inside. If you suspect that your home has air leaks, you can confirm this by holding a lit piece of incense in front of baseboards, windows and door frames, electrical plugs, and any other possible openings to an exterior wall. If the smoke wavers, you have a leak. Plug all leaks with caulk, weatherstripping, or insulation.
- Close blinds in the summer and open blinds in the winter. Whether you have blinds, curtains, or shades, do shut them in the hot months to keep out solar radiation. Open them when it’s cooler to let in solar radiation.
- Use ceiling fans to augment cooling and heating. In the summer, run ceiling fans counterclockwise to lift up hot air and push down cool air. In winter, run blades clockwise to achieve the opposite effect.
For more on how to make your home energy efficient, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company.
