Five Energy Saving Tips
Looking to save on your electricity bill, or just
concerned about power use in light of environmental issues? Heating and cooling
our homes is one of our biggest energy sinks, along with inefficient vehicles.
By taking a few steps, you can reduce the amount of electricity you need to keep
your home comfortable. You'll save money, and be able to feel better about your
impact on the environment.
The first step is making sure that your Atlanta house is well insulated. Seal
gaps around windows and doors, check your insulation, and repair any
malfunctioning storm windows. Also, be certain to check the attic for drafts.
You'll save a lot more on heating if the cold can't get in! A good way to check
for leaks is to light a stick of incense or a candle, and hold it near windows
and doors. Watch the flame or smoke and see if it's affected by a draft. You can
then caulk or weather strip any leaks you find.
Set your thermostat a little higher in summer and a little lower in winter. Most
of us do not notice a five degree difference, but your electricity bill will.
Five degrees can decrease your energy usage enough to save ten percent on
heating and cooling.
Efficiency is important when it comes to your air conditioner and heater.
Whether you have a furnace or electric heat, having it checked for efficiency
and keeping the filters clean can make a big difference in your energy use. Many
furnaces operate around 80% efficiency when new, but can drop as low as 40% if
not maintained. The same goes for air conditioners. Keep window units clean and
check for coolant leaks, and have central air conditioning maintained each year.
Use fans to circulate air. In conjunction with setting your thermostat a little
higher, this will allow you to stay cool in the summer without paying a lot on
your electric bill.
Install a programmable, Energy Star rated thermostat, and be sure it's away from
hot and cold areas in the house. Your thermostat should measure the average
temperature in your home. Having an Energy Star thermostat could save you around
a hundred dollars on energy bills per year.
If you have a fireplace, use it only for special occasions. Fireplaces are very
inefficient, and you may actually lose more heat up the chimney than your fire
provides. Install a fireplace insert to reduce heat loss, and be sure to close
off your fireplace to keep warmth from blowing up the chimney when you do not
have a fire going.
If your furnace is more than fifteen years old, consider replacing it with a new
one. Technology has brought us much more efficient heating options that pay for
themselves quickly through the savings they bring.
Consider a heat pump. When it's not quite cold enough for the heater, and not
quite warm enough for the air conditioner, but the house isn't comfortable, a
heat pump can adjust the temperature without the expense of running the heating
or cooling systems.
About the Author:
Find out how to earn an income by teaching others how to inform people about
reducing their utility bills at: Ignite and Stream Energy and explore the
possibilities that energy de-regulation has created. If you are looking for an
Atlanta HVAC Contractor please call us today at 770-716-8047 or complete our online request form. | 
