Energy efficiency can seem like a large, costly project, but it doesn’t have to be. Energy efficiency not only relates to how your home’s heating and cooling system is working, but means that you’re probably saving money every month. Standard practices such as turning off lights when you leave for work, changing out furnace and air filters, and programming your thermostat are a small sample of the easiest, most impactful ways to make your home more efficient. We all know that the winter and summer months in Wausau can bring about an increased dependency on both heating and cooling systems, so why not make certain that they’re working at their most efficient levels?
Dirty air filters alone can lessen the airflow in your home, resulting in a heating and cooling system that has to catch up by running harder than it would normally. Over time, those systems will fail sooner, resulting in the need for a replacement sooner than you’d like. Replacing or cleaning your air filters monthly may dramatically alter the life of your system and offer you more consistent comfort as well.
So what other common tasks can you complete to increase your energy efficiency?
- Seal or add weather-stripping around your exterior doors and windows
- Add extra insulation to your attic
- Make sure both your laundry and kitchen appliances are clean and free of lint and dust
Something else to consider when improving your energy efficiency is the age of your system. Older systems are typically much less efficient than newer systems. Sure, it sounds obvious, but the difference a new system can make is substantial, so before you decide whether or not to make repairs to your current system, be sure to look at newer choices as well. The rule of thumb for the lifetime of heating and cooling systems is between 12 and 15 years, so if your system is near that age, be sure to look at all your options.
Energy efficiency doesn’t have to be stressful, and with the team at Gilray Heating and Cooling in Wausau, you can feel good that you’re in the right hands. Whether it’s more common tips to maintaining your heating and cooling system or advice on purchasing a new system, give us a ring at 715-301-0727 and we can help.