Winter weather doesn’t reach extremes in Florida, but you still should be concerned about energy efficiency when your heat system kicks on to ward off chilly temperatures. When you take a whole-house approach to energy consumption, you not only save 30 cents on each dollar you spend, but you also reduce environmental emissions and enhance your comfort. Here are several ways to maximize energy efficiency in your home this winter.
Weatherize Your Home
Energy-efficient upgrades such as weatherstripping around windows, adding insulation to crawl spaces, caulking around outside spigots and replacing old doors are just a few ways to keep the cold out and the heat in. These weatherization upgrades pay off over time in energy savings; just as important, they improve the indoor air quality of your home.
Maintain Your Equipment
If you haven’t had a fall HVAC tune-up, now’s the time to schedule one. A heat pump is most efficient when it’s operating in top condition. Replacing clogged filters, oiling motors and cleaning ductwork increases your system’s overall efficiency because your system doesn’t have to work as hard to distribute heated air.
Upgrade Obsolete Systems
Although weatherization techniques can eliminate drafts and proper maintenance ensures your heating system operates correctly, if you have old equipment, your home may still be inefficient. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 a year on your fuel bills. Replacing your heat pump with a newer ENERGY STAR model can reduce costs by more than $115 a year. Pocket, even more, savings by checking into energy-saving household appliances.
According to the Energy Information Administration, households in the United States save an average of $840 annually when they focus on energy efficiency.
If you haven’t had professional heat pump maintenance conducted this year, call Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat to schedule a service appointment today.
