HVAC Maintenance is Key to Energy Savings
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is one of the most important steps to save on energy costs. Units that are dirty or not maintained work 20 percent harder to generate the same amount of cooling or heating as a well-maintained system.
Jewell Mechanical offers an Energy Savings Agreement (ESA) that includes system inspections and tune-ups in the spring and fall. The modest annual cost often pays for itself in the first visit because our diagnostic fee, for all residential service calls is waived for ESA clients.
Regular maintenance can also mean fewer emergency repairs. Contact us for more information about our ESA’s.
Year-Round Energy Savings Tips
Thermostats: A programmable thermostat can save up to 10 percent on annual heating and cooling costs. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat and no one is home for the day, set the temperature for 80 or 82 degrees to save on cooling costs. Set the heat 5 degrees lower at night in the winter and save money while you sleep.
Insulation: Attic and wall insulation prevents warm air from getting in during the summer and warm air from getting out in the winter. Air naturally travels from areas of high pressure to low pressure; cooler air is usually at a lower pressure.
Awnings: Advances in fabrics and installation techniques make awnings a contemporary energy savings option. On windows facing south or west, light-colored awnings can reduce solar heat gain by 65 percent or more. In colder months, retract the awnings to take advantage of the sun’s warmth.
Windows and doors: Check windows and doors for drafts and leaks, and use caulk or weatherstripping to keep your HVAC unit from working harder than it needs to. Up to 25 percent of a home’s heat can be lost through small cracks and holes.
Outdoor HVAC components: Keep the unit and the pad it sits on free of debris, including leaves, dirt, trash, and, in the winter, snow and ice.
Energy Star equipment: When it is time to upgrade or replace your HVAC system, consider units with the EPA’s Energy Star rating. Qualified heating equipment can be up to 15 percent more efficient than standard models; cooling equipment can up to 7 percent more efficient.
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