Improve Your Energy Efficiency in 2019
Did your New Year’s resolutions include a goal to minimize your energy use this year? If you’re interested in going greener and trimming your utility bills, there are several things you can do in your Nokomis, Florida, home. Read on to learn how to improve energy efficiency in 2019.
Program Your Thermostat Mindfully
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, this is a great place to start. A smart thermostat makes it easier than ever to manage your energy efficiency properly. Set your thermostat back when you’re asleep or out of the house for an extended period. If you have a regular work or school schedule, adjust your thermostat’s weekly settings to coincide with your hours.
Change your thermostat setting seasonally so you’re keeping the home warmer in summer. Take advantage of Florida’s mild winters to use minimal energy adjusting home temperatures. Use the fan setting sparingly, as this uses more energy than is typically necessary. If you haven’t used your heating or cooling for a span of several days, running the fan for an hour will help filter your air and keep things fresh. Make sure to turn the fan off again after a brief period.
Seal Your Home Wisely
Seal your home and prevent energy loss by adding insulation in the attic and walls. Use weather stripping around the movable parts of windows and doors. Caulk any cracks or other openings around window frames, door frames and baseboards. These activities will all stop air loss and help you keep the cool air inside. As a result, your HVAC system won’t have to run as often and work harder than necessary.
Pair your insulation efforts with a ventilation system to keep your air from becoming too stale. A mechanical ventilation system will protect your indoor air quality so your health doesn’t suffer for your energy-efficiency efforts.
Install Smart Power Strips
Plug your appliances into smart power strips that monitor energy use and work to actively minimize it. There are strips that turn off after a period of inactivity, operate off of a timer, or even monitor movement in the room to determine when it’s best to power off. Using the right power strips will cut back on energy use for everything that you plug in. As a result, you’ll improve energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
Explore Appliance Upgrades
Do you currently know how old your appliances are? If you purchased them with your home or got them secondhand, you might not know the age of each item. Make a list of all the major appliances in your home and find this information.
There are many energy calculators online that’ll give you an idea of how much energy these products use. Compare your existing appliances with the estimated energy use of modern Energy Star-certified upgrades.
Rather than wait for your current appliances to fail, you may want to consider the energy savings available if you upgrade your appliances early. Choosing an air conditioner with a higher SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) or a furnace with a better HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) will help you cut your utility costs. The investment for this upgrade will pay for itself within a few years.
Consider Cool Roofing
Cool roofs lower the temperature of your roofing by reflecting sunlight and heat. This type of installation is particularly well-suited to homes in Florida’s climate. You can coat nearly any type of roof with a reflective pigment that prevents it from absorbing and transferring the sun’s heat. As a result, it’ll keep your home cooler so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard or use as much energy to maintain your preferred comfort levels.
If your energy efficiency goals include upgrades to your HVAC system, reach out to Custom Air & Plumbing today. We’re a proud Trane dealer, and we offer a wide range of energy-efficient solutions for managing your home comfort. We can help you assess your current installation and find a new choice that will cut your energy costs in the future. Give our service technicians a call today at (866) 819-0992.
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