Wasting energy, whether it is when we are heating or cooling our homes, is something that we want to avoid, as it racks up energy costs! Believe it or not, there are common areas in your home where heating or cooling is being wasted while in use. Surprised? Let’s discuss the most common areas where this waste occurs, and what you can do to prevent it!
Leaky Doors + Windows
Small cracks or gaps around the windows, doors, and vents in your home can waste A LOT of energy. Check your windows, doors, and walls annually for air leaks, and seal the leaks with caulking or weatherstripping to reduce energy costs.
Poorly designed or old windows can also leak air and lose energy. Replacing these windows, or fixing any leaks that you find with caulking can increase the efficiency of your home.
Easy way to check for leaks: Use a lighting candle to check for drafts. The light of the candle will flicker when air is present!
Insulation
Home insulation that has been torn, is retaining moisture, or is missing, can create an opportunity for energy to leak out of your home. Upgrading your insulation or getting it fixed can result in energy savings of around 30 percent!
Tip: You should have at least 10-14 inches of insulation in your attic to properly insulate your home.
Dirty Air Filters
Dirty air filters can have a huge impact on the energy efficiency of your home and can cause your HVAC system to waste energy trying to keep your home cool or warm. Dirty air filters are the number one cause of HVAC failures. Why? Because dirty filters restrict the airflow into the air handler, which puts a strain on the entire HVAC system. Not good. This has an easy fix: change your air filters at least once per month in the cooling and heating months.
P.S. While you are changing or cleaning your filters, take a look at the coils and vacuum or clean those parts if needed to ensure that your unit runs at peak efficiency year-round.
Related: 3 Ways You May Be Wasting Money On Your AC
Ductwork
Leaks in your ductwork can let air and energy escape. This will force your HVAC system to work harder and reduce efficiency. Leaks in ducting can also cause drafts or warm areas in your home. Ductwork should be inspected and cleaned at least every two to three years by a professional from Super Heat & Air. Not only can leaky or dirty ductwork waste energy, but it can also spread allergens throughout your home. If you notice a lot of dust or musty smells in your house, it is a good time to schedule a duct inspection with Super Heat & Air!
Malfunctioning Thermostat
If your thermostat is not working properly, it will prevent your HVAC system from running efficiently. Check your battery and the settings if you believe it is malfunctioning. You might just need to switch the settings around. If this doesn’t fix the issue of a too warm or too cold house, a professional should come out to diagnose the issue and check its wiring. To really optimize your HVAC efficiency, installing a programmable thermostat can be beneficial and will save energy and money.
HVAC Maintenance With Super Heat Air
Stop the energy waste, and call in the pros from Super Heat & Air! From duct cleaning and repair to HVAC maintenance, we will ensure that your system is running at peak efficiency. Regular AC maintenance is vital to keeping your system performing efficiently year-round. Don’t let a break-down keep you in the heat or cold! Call Super Heat & Air at 813-322-6823 to schedule routine maintenance or duct cleaning today. Save energy and keep money in your pocket this year! P.S. Don’t forget about our Super Fast Guarantee!
