In many homes and businesses, 60% of energy costs can be attributed to heating and cooling expenses. Old or ill-repaired equipment can lead to emergency HVAC service calls, which many times could have been prevented with simple building maintenance. Learn how to save money on expensive repairs while decreasing the energy you're using and paying for each month.
Program Your Thermostat
Setting your thermostat to heat or cool your home or business according to when people will actually occupy the space is not just smart, it's energy-efficient. You might remember to turn the air conditioning up every day when you arrive home from work, but will you always remember to turn it down? Stable temperatures can significantly reduce monthly energy bills, and allow your HVAC unit to work more efficiently.
Two Degrees To Make A Difference
Changing your thermostat by two degrees cooler in the winter, or two degrees warmer in the summer can knock quite a bit off of your monthly bill. Many people prefer to lower their heat overnight in the wintertime, since they stay sufficiently warm in bed. As for the summer, try using the air conditioner only to remove the humidity from the air, as opposed to running it until your home is 'cool.' These simple building maintenance suggestions can save you hundreds each year.
Weather Sealing
The last thing you want to do is pay to heat or cool your home, and then find out that your inefficient windows and doors are letting that temperate air outside. As a quick building maintenance project this weekend, re-seal all windows and doors in your home or business. In addition, purchase weather stripping for the doors to keep rain out and to avoid loss of heat/cool. This simple trick can save you up to 10% on your heating and cooling needs.
Consider Replacement Windows
New windows are more than just pretty, they are more energy efficient. Old windows are often drafty, and can produce significant condensation between the panes of glass. Having a building maintenance company install new energy efficient windows may mean that you can have a smaller, higher efficiency HVAC unit, saving money in more than one place.
Get A Tune-Up
We all remember to change the oil and get a tune-up for our cars, so don't forget the building maintenance requirements for your HVAC unit. Heating and cooling units can benefit from a tune-up on a regular basis, as a more efficient unit is also a cheaper one. Get a central air tune-up in the spring, and a heater tune-up each fall. This preventative step will also help to prevent an emergency HVAC repair call.