Sure, brand-new energy efficient HVAC equipment will help you save energy. However, there are plenty of affordable ways to save energy at home without purchasing a single thing. We’ve put together a list of six things you and your family can do to conserve energy, improve whole-home comfort and save money on your monthly utility bills.
- Thermostat settings. Make sure your thermostat is set for optimal energy efficiency. During the winter months, keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees when family members are home and awake, and lower while they’re sleeping or away. Turning it back by 10 to 15 degrees can save up to 15 percent on energy spending. In the summer, try to keep it set at 78 degrees when people are home and awake.
- Use ceiling fans. In order to keep your home comfortable when thermostat settings are higher or lower than you prefer, use your ceiling fans. During the winter months, flip the switch so fans circulate clockwise on a low setting to keep warm air circulating. In the warm season, running your fans in a counterclockwise motion. Ceiling fans can make it feel four degrees cooler than it is, but it’s only helpful when the room is occupied.
- Air dry dishes. Change the setting on your dishwasher to air dry and you’ll save the unnecessary energy used by the heating element. Run the dishwasher at night and dishes will be dry by the morning.
- Line dry clothing. By the same token, line drying clothing is significantly more energy efficient than using a clothes dryer.
- Run full loads. Don’t run your dishwasher or washing machine until you have a full load. If you need to run a smaller washer load, remember to change the setting for the water level accordingly. Always use cold water unless absolutely necessary.
- Close doors and windows. Make sure that all of your windows and doors are shut tight when you’re heating or cooling system is running.
Contact Climatic Conditioning Co., Inc. to learn more affordable ways to save energy at home. We’ve provided reliable HVAC service to Sarasota homeowners for more than 40 years.
