There are many good reasons to want an energy-efficient home. Increasing your comfort level, saving money and being environmentally conscious are just a few. Implementing one or more of the following tips can help you reach that goal:
- Turn off lights, electronics and small appliances when not in use. It’s easy and free. Did your electric bill go up when you got that new computer? If so, you may be surprised how much you can save by turning things off consistently.
- Replace an old, inefficient furnace or air conditioning unit. This can be a big step toward an energy-efficient home, since technological advances have made newer HVAC equipment substantially more efficient than equipment from just 10 years ago. Call your qualified HVAC professional for pricing and installation information. In a situation where a new installation may be problematic, your HVAC professional may be able to retrofit an existing unit to be more efficient.
- Seal holes and gaps. This step can help everyone, but should definitely be done if you’re purchasing a new HVAC system. Use caulk, weatherstripping or spray foam to make repairs on siding, around windows or doors, where floors and ceilings meet walls or where utility wires or pipes enter the home.
- Install low-flow water fixtures. Shower heads are easy to replace. Faucets may only need the aerator replaced to increase efficiency. Low-flow fixtures use less water and in situations where you use hot water, less water means you will be using less energy to heat it. See the U.S. Department of Energy website for more information.
- Purchase Energy Star-labeled appliances. When looking for new appliances, check for the Energy Star label. Energy Star-qualified appliances are independently certified to be energy-efficient. To get the coveted Energy Star, energy efficiency has to be achieved without sacrificing the performance and features consumers need.
- Increase insulation. A professional can help determine where your home may need additional insulation and what R-value is appropriate for the climate and location of insulation (attic, wall, basement, etc.).
- Use CFL or LED bulbs. These use much less energy than incandescent bulbs. They last longer, and some are recyclable, so you will be creating less waste.
Contact the HVAC professionals at Ernst Heating & Cooling for help achieving an energy-efficient home. We serve southwest Illinois, including the communities of Hamel, Bethalto, Troy and Glen Carbon.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Hamel, Alton, Glen Carbon, Highland, Greenville, and Troy, Illinois and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy efficiency and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.Â
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