Here’s How to Save Money and Be Energy Efficient this Season

Martin County isn’t exactly frigid in the winter months, but you can still end up overpaying to keep your home comfortable when temperatures dip down into cold territory. Making your home energy efficient is a pretty simple endeavor that requires little more than a few simple tasks that most homeowners can do in a weekend. Complete these five tasks to improve the energy efficiency of your home this winter and you’ll save money and improve your comfort to boot.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats can save you one percent on your heating costs for every degree you turn down your thermostat for a period of eight hours. Program yours so that it’s set back 10 degrees while you’re at work and while you’re sleeping, and you’ll see significant savings on your heating bills.

Seal Air Leaks

Air that comes in through cracks and gaps around windows and service entrances makes your heat pump or furnace work harder to keep you comfortable. During a windy day, close exterior doors and windows and light a stick of incense. Pass the stick near common sites of air leaks. When the smoke wavers, you have a leak. Seal around doors, windows and baseboards with caulk and weatherstripping, and use expandable caulk to seal larger gaps around service entrances, pipes and vents that pass through exterior walls.

Schedule Your HVAC Tune-up

Neglected furnaces and heat pumps increase energy costs by about five percent each year. An annual HVAC tune-up makes your system more energy efficient, extends its operating life, helps to prevent common operating problems and improves your comfort level.

Seal Ductwork

Leaky ducts in the typical home lose about 30 percent of the air that moves through them, according to the Department of Energy. Seal loose joints and cracks with mastic duct sealant, and insulate ducts that move through unconditioned spaces to save more money on heating bills.

For more helpful tips on ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency, please contact us at NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating, proudly serving Martin County.