Home Improvement Tips That Save Money on Heating And AC Repair | Richardson, TX
Home improvement projects don’t just help increase your home’s value; some of them can help you conserve energy and save money. Read this article for tips on saving money on your heating and cooling. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact a heating and AC repair service technician in Richardson, TX.
How You’re Wasting Energy at Home
Before we talk about tips on lowering your heating and cooling bills, let’s first discuss energy-wasting habits most homeowners have:
Setting Thermostat Too Low or High
You are wasting energy at home by setting the thermostat and suddenly forgetting to adjust it when the outdoor temperature changes. The temperatures vary throughout the day and even by room. Some rooms can overheat when there’s too much sunlight. If you forget to adjust the thermostat in these areas, your HVAC system will only work harder, resulting in costly heating and AC repairs.
To avoid this problem, consider switching to a programmable or a smart thermostat. It doesn’t just prevent expensive heating and AC repairs but it also lets you conserve energy and save money. The only downside is that purchasing a smart thermostat can be expensive but you get to save money in the long run.
Forgetting to Replace the Air Filters
Dirty filters can affect the efficiency of your HVAC system — your furnace or air conditioner will only work harder, resulting in sudden breakdowns that will cost a fortune in heating and AC repairs. It also reduces the unit’s lifespan, costing you more when buying a replacement unit.
Change the filters every month or every two months, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation or other factors such as how often you’re using them and the size of your home. Contact a heating and AC repair service technician if you need further assistance with this.
You may also want to invest in filters with high MERV ratings especially when you have family members suffering from asthma or other respiratory issues. Get in touch with one of our heating and AC repair service technicians so we can assist you with this.
Not Fixing Air Leaks
Identifying sources of air leaks and drafts is one of the most effective ways to conserve energy at home. Remember, heated and cooled air can escape through doors and windows that are not well insulated or those with gaps. While using a candle can help you track down the source of the air leak, calling a heating and AC repair service technician is even better. Our technicians can help you stop wasting electricity at home.
Leaving Appliances Plugged In
Unused appliances that are plugged in still waste energy. Phantom load or standby power accounts for 10 percent of your energy usage at home, and this can add up when not addressed. Some of the most common culprits include electronic clocks or personal computers. If you really should keep the PC on, why not switch it to sleep mode — it uses less electricity than having it completely turned on.
If you want to conserve energy, make sure that all appliances or electronic devices are not plugged in when not in use. Remind your family members to do this too to help you maximize energy savings.
Using Inefficient Light Bulbs
Are you still using incandescent light bulbs? They emit more heat than LED lights. If you still have them, we recommend switching to energy-efficient light bulbs. Also, make sure that you don’t forget to turn off the lights to conserve power. During the day, consider opening the curtains to let natural light in. However, do this only when it’s not too hot, or your HVAC system will only work harder, resulting in costly heating and AC repair service down the road.
Using Extra Energy When Cooking
To conserve energy, consider preparing your day’s meals all at once. Turning on the stovetop or the oven several times a day also increase electricity consumption. Better yet, why not try making BBQ, especially during summertime? It’s the perfect time to skip the oven. Otherwise, you will only heat up your entire home.
Helpful Ways to Save Energy
Below are some ways to conserve energy on your HVAC system. Contact a heating and AC repair service technician if you have questions.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Windows
What type of windows are installed in your home? Do you know that investing in energy-efficient windows can significantly help you lower energy usage? They may be more expensive than regular windows but you get to save money in the long run. Old windows can let out cooled and heated air which can lead to even more costly heating and AC repair. Depending on the damage, you may have to completely replace them.
For some homeowners, it might not be possible to switch to expensive energy-efficient windows right away. In this case, find a professional to help you fix air leaks and gaps in your windows.
Maintain Your Heating and Cooling System
A poorly maintained HVAC system has to work harder to produce heat or cooled hair. This can waste a considerable amount of energy and affect your system’s efficiency. You can avoid this problem by calling a heating and AC repair service technician in Richardson, TX, for professional maintenance.
Don’t forget to change the filters every two to three months so that dust and debris don’t build up in the system. If you suspect an issue, don’t hesitate to contact a heating and AC repair technician immediately for an inspection. Our team is fully equipped to provide you with a proper diagnosis and cost-effective solutions.
Switch to a Smart Thermostat
If you want a smart home, consider installing a smart thermostat to help you conserve energy and increase your home’s value. You can connect this unit to your smartphone via Wi-Fi and control your home’s temperature remotely. Smart thermostats can automatically adjust your home’s temperature, saving you more money. For installation, please contact a licensed heating and AC repair service technician.
Fix Gaps in Your Home’s Foundation
One of the most effective ways to keep heated and cooled air inside your home is by filling insulation gaps that let drafts in. Heat rises so make sure to check the attic’s insulation. The roof also helps in keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Check the walls, floors, ceilings and basement — address all insulation problems in these areas.
Seal Air Leaks
Windows, doors, and places where electric services and plumbing enter your home usually have gaps where cooled and heated air can escape. Finding and sealing these air leaks can significantly help lower energy consumption. Try sealing these gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. For the windows, installing plastic films can stop drafts. You might want to also invest in heavy drapes to add an extra layer of insulation to your home.
When all air leaks and gaps are fixed, your heating and cooling system will not have to work harder to keep you comfortable. Doing this can extend the life of your unit and prevent unexpected breakdowns. It also avoids costly emergency heating and AC repair service in Richardson, TX.
Get a Professional Energy Audit
Energy audit specialists are equipped with the right training and tools to help make your home more energy-efficient. They can help you determine which energy-saving projects you need to prioritize. If you’ve been getting higher heating bills, we suggest getting a professional energy audit to help you determine how you’re wasting energy and what you can do to resolve these issues.
With an energy-efficient home, your heating and cooling system will not have to work harder, helping you save money. It also prevents costly heating and AC repairs in Richardson, TX.
How Doors Affect Energy Usage
Your front door has a major impact on your energy use and while it can be tempting to purchase stylish doors for your home, it’s important to make sure they are energy-efficient. Otherwise, it can contribute to getting higher energy bills every month.
Exterior doors are made with a variety of materials with different amounts of insulation. Wood and glass doors usually have the least insulation. If you want to conserve energy, go with steel or fiberglass doors as they are equipped with layers of foam that serve as insulation.
If you’re not sure whether or not you have energy-efficient doors, you can always contact a heating and AC repair service technician in Richardson, TX, for assistance.
How energy-efficient doors can benefit you:
Lower energy cost – Well installed and insulated door will not radiate heat in the summer. During the winter, it can keep the cool air inside your home. Your system will not have to work harder, reducing heating and AC repair costs.
Protects your home – In addition to helping you conserve energy, it also protects your home from the elements. It keeps out moisture that leads to mold growth. It can also keep insects and other pests away from your home.
Earns tax incentives – You may be qualified for a home improvement tax credit by purchasing ENERGY STAR windows for your home. Speak with a professional in Richardson, TX, about this.
Reduces carbon footprint – Most importantly, you’re helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
Types of exterior doors:
Fiberglass – The foam core in fiberglass doors provides excellent insulation, making it one of the most durable and energy-efficient options. Fiberglass also doesn’t rot, warp or expand, making these types of doors maintenance-free. Some homeowners go with wood veneers as the finish to make them look like wood but with the fiberglass benefit. Contact a professional if you’re thinking about switching to this type of door.
Vinyl – Go with vinyl if you’re looking for a low-cost alternative. Although they are lighter in weight, vinyl doors can provide good insulation for your home. However, you need professional installation as the sun can break down the plasticizers.
Wood – While wooden doors look classic, they may not be the ideal choice if you want an energy-efficient door. They come with high maintenance costs because wood can warp and absorb moisture. Should you decide to go with wooden doors, then make sure to invest in weatherstripping and a good storm door.
Steel – Like fiberglass, steel is another energy-efficient material you might want to consider for your door. It uses sandwich technology, wrapping the insulation within the steel. Because it doesn’t warp, there are no gaps where heat can be lost. In addition, it also offers soundproofing and more security.
Doggy doors – Do you have pets at home? Pet doors are convenient for dogs but they are not an energy-efficient option. If you decide to install them, look for insulated frames and make sure the flap seals tightly.
Testing Your Doors
It’s best to see how well your current door is performing before replacing it. Do a visual inspection of the door’s seal and check if it’s hanging loose in spots or missing chunks. When it does, consider replacing it.
You can also check for light by examining the edges from the inside on a bright day. You don’t have a good seal when you see the light. Heated or cooled air is leaking out wherever there is light.
Do a candle test when checking for drafts. The weatherstripping isn’t doing its job when the candle flickers.
Contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas
Do you need a heating and AC repair service technician in Richardson, TX? We can help! Our technicians are licensed and experienced to tackle any heating and AC repair, installation or maintenance. Our team can also assist in helping you choose an energy-efficient unit for your home. Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas today for an appointment.