With the economy still struggling, homeowners everywhere are trying to find ways to cut costs and lower their utility bills. One sure-fire way to lower your monthly bills is to reduce the amount of energy your home uses by looking at heating and cooling efficiency. One of three potential problems with your HVAC system may be causing high energy costs.
Air Loss
One of the biggest challenges facing homeowners is trying to seal all the leaks, cracks and holes in their home. Even the smallest crack will let conditioned air escape from your home, which will lead directly to high energy costs. When heated or cooled air is escaping, your system has to work harder to make up for it. To minimize air loss, install inexpensive insulation around windows and exterior doors, and place a door jam at the bottom. Use caulking to seal any cracks or holes around rim joints in your basement and chimney or in plumbing stacks in your attic.
Duct Leaks
The ductwork connected to your HVAC system is essential for distributing conditioned air throughout your home. If the ducts become damaged, air will leak through the holes or cracks instead of warming or cooling your home. Fortunately, a professional HVAC technician can seal the ducts and reduce high energy costs.
Thermostat
Improper thermostat settings may be increasing your energy use and packing extra dollars on your utility bills. Try lowering the thermostat at night when under the covers and during the day when the house is empty.
Annual Maintenance
The best way to keep your HVAC system functioning properly and running at its highest efficiency is with annual maintenance by a local company that you trust. During the routine servicing, the technician will examine your system for problems – including those that cause high energy costs – and inform you of possible solutions.
For more solutions to high energy costs, contact the experts at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. Since 1978, we have provided Dayton area homeowners with quality service from a family-owned business.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about high energy costs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ace Hardware Home Services services the Ohio’s Miami Valley. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
