Keeping an energy efficient home is no easy feat, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Have a look at your utility bill and follow these five common sense tips to make your home more efficient and cost effective.
Update Your Heating and Cooling System
How long has it been since you installed your last HVAC system? If the answer is 10 years or more, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Today’s HVAC systems are more energy efficient than ever before, offering a tremendous savings over older systems. For example, you can save money (as much as 20 percent) on cooling costs by replacing an old air conditioning with a brand-new model.
Change Those Light Bulbs
If you haven’t swapped out incandescent bulbs in your home for newer and more energy-efficient bulbs, you’re missing out on the savings. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), switching from incandescent to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can help trim lighting costs by half. Switching to newer LED bulbs offer even more savings, plus you’ll get greater longevity from them.
Say Goodbye to Old Appliances
If you think old light bulbs can suck down energy, just wait until you see what old appliances can do. Switching your old standard appliance with an Energy Star-labeled appliance can help you save money each year on energy costs. Some Energy Star appliances are even eligible for tax credits from your state or federal government.
Beef Up Insulation
Poor insulation leads to drafty houses, which leads to bigger heating and cooling bills. Unfortunately, many homes are short on insulation. Inspecting and fortifying your insulation can help lower energy costs over the long run.
Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
Maintenance is the key to affordable operation in an energy efficient home. Seasonal maintenance can help keep your home in excellent shape while catching potential problems before they spiral into expensive ones.
For more advice on saving money and creating a more energy efficient home, call us at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. We’ve proudly served the Mobile and Baldwin counties since 1964.
