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Posted: May 2, 2022
These days, everyone is scrambling to find ways to save money. With heating and cooling comprising about 40% of your total home energy expenses, it pays to examine ways you can conserve on your heat and air conditioning.
While your heating and cooling systems represent a major part of your home’s energy output, there are also other components that require your attention. Start thinking of your entire house as one system, with three main parts.
Each of these three components contributes to your home’s energy efficiency and you can make a positive impact on energy usage (and your energy bills) in a number of ways.
Let’s start with the building envelope. You could choose to insulate your attic or other parts of your home. Many homes are colder than necessary in the winter due to poor insulation levels. In the average home, about one-third of heat loss occurs through the ceilings, which should have a minimum of six inches of quality thermal insulation to keep heat inside the home, where it belongs. Otherwise, some of your heat will rise through the ceilings into the attic and then seep outside. That’s a big waste of heating energy!
During the summer months, you could do little things like installing curtains or drapes to block the heat of the warm sun coming through your windows. Or raise your thermostat setting by a few degrees. These changes could save you more than you might think!
In terms of your own energy decisions, investing in a smart programmable thermostat is a wise move. When used correctly, it will pay for itself in just a short time. If you choose a Wi-Fi thermostat, you can control your home’s temperature from your smartphone.
In the spring and summer, the U.S. Energy Department recommends setting your central air conditioning system to 78°F when you’re at home. Program your A/C system to shut off 20-30 minutes before you leave home each day; return the temperature setting to normal comfort levels 20 to 30 minutes before you come home.
In the winter, the optimal setting is 68°F when you’re at home. Dial it down toward the 60°F range when you’re asleep or out of the house. The temperatures you ultimately choose will depend on factors like the outdoor temperature and your family’s comfort preferences. Remember, these are just guidelines.
You can trust the professionals at Wilson Oil and Propane with your heating and air conditioning equipment because our certified technicians take pride in finding the solution to any equipment problem—and in keeping your heating and cooling equipment running efficiently and safely.
If we determine that your furnace, boiler, heat pump or central A/C system is beyond repair, our technicians are well-qualified to work with you to choose the best replacement system you can get, and then install it properly.
Today’s systems offer homeowners a great opportunity to increase their comfort while decreasing their energy usage. New systems now heat and cool your home using significantly less energy compared to older generation systems.
If you’re interested in replacing your system, we can help! Contact us to get started.
