Home comfort and energy savings should be a priority in every Tulsa area household. To help you get optimal performance from your cooling system this summer, we’ve compiled this list of innovative energy-saving tips.
Raising temperature settings at the thermostat is a surefire way to reduce monthly cooling bills. To maximize savings without sacrificing home comfort, try keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re in the home and raising thermostat settings as high as 85 degrees while you’re away. But don't do this when it's over 95 degrees outside. That can actually cause energy bills to rise while the unit tries to catch up.
One way to take advantage of higher temperature settings without sacrificing home comfort is to utilize household ceiling fans. While ceiling fans don’t actually cool your home, running them while you're in the room can create a wind chill effect that will help you remain comfortable, even when thermostat settings are increased by as little as four degrees. Just remember to turn ceiling fans off when you’re not in the room.
Clogged air filters are notorious for restricting airflow and putting unnecessary strain on your air conditioner. Inspect filters monthly, cleaning and replacing as necessary.
Another cost-effective means of improving household energy efficiency is to address air leaks using caulking, seal and weather stripping. Common leakage points include areas around doors and windows, and gaps around lights, wiring, ductwork and plumbing.
Inadequate attic insulation can be a major drain on monthly energy costs. For an additional 10 percent savings, try boosting attic insulation to a minimum R-value of 30. If you can see your attic rafters, you are wasting lots of money on energy.
It also pays to properly seal ductwork. If your ducts leak, you could be losing as much as 20 percent of the air you pay to condition. While accessible ductwork can be addressed using metal tape or duct mastic, a professional can ensure that your entire duct system is sealed properly.
If your air conditioner is over ten years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency Energy Star-qualified model could save you as much as 10 percent.
In fact, Energy Star-qualified products are an ideal means of long-term energy savings. Look for products ranging from water heaters to light bulbs.
For a more customized assessment of your household energy efficiency, consult our NATE-certified technicians. Contact Air Assurance today!Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here.Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.
How would you like to increase your annual energy savings? By following these tips from Energy Star’s Home Advisor, Oklahoma homeowners in theTulsa area may be able to save an estimated 33 percent in annual energy costs.Suggestions include:
Sealing air leaks – One of the most cost-effective ways to increase household energy savings is to seal off major air leaks commonly found in attics, basements or crawl spaces. Focus on leaks around wiring, plumbing, and ductwork. For optimal results, consult a professional.
Duct sealing – With duct leaks responsible for an estimated 20 percent of conditioned air loss, duct sealing should be a priority. While you may be able to seal accessible ducts using mastic or metal tape and use at least R-6 insulation to shield exposed ductwork in unconditioned areas of the home, a professional can access those hard-to-reach areas and ensure that your entire system is properly sealed.
Insulation – To prevent the unwanted exchange of heat and moisture, adequate insulation should be installed. Generally, residents of theTulsaarea should use R-30 to R-49 insulation for the attic, R-13 to R-19 for the exterior wall frame, and somewhere between R-5 and R-13 for crawlspaces.
HVAC upgrades – Older heating and cooling components just aren’t as efficient as today’s high-efficiency options. If your HVAC system is nearing ten years old, it may be time for a replacement. To maximize long-term energy savings, look for a minimum 14.5 SEER on air conditioners and a minimum 80 percent AFUE on gas furnaces.
Programmable thermostats – Take full control of your HVAC energy consumption by pre-programming household temperatures according to your family routine. Conserve energy without sacrificing household comfort.
Energy Star – Products carrying the Energy Star label are designed to improve household energy savings. Consider over 60 types of Energy Star-qualified products, including water heaters, windows and light bulbs.
Depending on the unique needs of your household, you may be able to significantly increase your annual energy savings by implementing some of the strategies outlined by Energy Star’s Home Advisor. For a more personalized energy assessment, consult one of our trained technicians. Contact Air Assurance today.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here.Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.
