Most of us would probably agree that it’s important to do what we can to protect our environment. After all, it’s the only one we have, and it not only has to be there for us, it has to be there for generations to come. The nice thing is, we can accomplish that goal while also saving money, and saving money is probably on everyone’s list of good things as well. Here are a few things you can do to make your home more energy efficient, save money, and help the environment at the same time.
Attic and Window Sealing
One of the first things you need to do is have your home inspected so potential problem areas can be identified. Hobson AC has trained professionals ready to do just that, so give us a call. We’ll make sure your heating or cooling isn’t escaping through your attic or windows. If it is, you’re basically wasting loads of energy, and that amounts to throwing your hard-earned money away. It is quite literally going out your window.
Your heating/cooling bill is probably higher than it should be if you don’t have the recommended insulation thickness in your attic. The insulation material itself can be the wrong type, deteriorated, or in need of replacement. Not only will fixing this problem save you money, it ensures your family is breathing cleaner air instead of the dust and other debris residing in your attic. Windows that aren’t tightly sealed can not only let your heating or cooling escape, they allow dust and allergens to find their way into your home when the wind is blowing.
Duct Work
Properly sealed ducts in your home will not only decrease the leakage of air used to either heat or cool your home, but they will also ensure that harmful toxins are released outside. Appliances such as water heaters, clothes dryers, and furnaces release combustion gases, like carbon monoxide, through their ventilation systems. Ductwork leakage can cause back drafting, resulting in these gases to be drawn back into the living space. These gases, as well as dust particles that enter your duct system, can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms as well.
Heating and AC Units
Keeping your heating and air conditioning unit properly maintained means it will be doing the best possible job for you whether it’s winter or summer. In addition, you can investigate the addition of solar panels to help reduce your energy usage. Trees can also shade your home from the direct rays of the sun in summer, and placing your air conditioning unit in a shaded area will help reduce strain on the unit when it is running. Changing out your lighting to fluorescent or LED lights can help reduce your energy usage as well.
As we mentioned earlier, an energy audit is the first step. Identify potential problems and fix them. An energy efficient home makes your utility bills go down, and you’re helping the environment as well. Who could ask for a better outcome? Call Hobson AC for your energy audit now!
