As the fall season approaches, most people start spending more time at home. Schools are open again, and people are getting back into their usual schedules. While the weather in Florida doesn’t really cool down as much as it does in other places in the country, homeowners often use this time of year to get their homes ready for the changing season.
One of the best steps you can take as we move into the autumn season is to make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible. As the days grow shorter and people spend more time inside their homes, it makes sense that residential energy usage will increase – along with utility bills. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can make your home more energy-efficient this fall.
5 Tips to Help Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
If you’d like to make your home more efficient this fall (and all year long), there are some simple steps you can take to start using less energy today, including:
- Pulling the Plug: Did you know that your laptop and phone chargers still use energy when not in use, along with small appliances like toasters and electric can openers? Even though they only sap small amounts of energy, it can really add up! (It’s estimated that most homes have at least 10 unused chargers and small appliances plugged in at any given time.) Unplugging these items when not in use can help you save energy.
- Washing Laundry in Cold Water: Washing your laundry in cold water saves energy because your hot water heater doesn’t have to heat up between 14 and 20 gallons of water per load. Most modern machines are actually made to both operate more efficiently and clean laundry effectively with cold water, so if it’s time to replace your machine, consider an ENERGY STAR-certified model.
- Changing Out Light Bulbs: This is the time of year when the days become shorter, so people are using the lighting in their homes for longer periods. Consider replacing your old incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL light bulbs – not only are they far more energy-efficient, but they also last longer – LED bulbs can last up to 20 years, and CFLs up to 10.
- Changing HVAC Filters: The filter in your air conditioning or heating system can become clogged over time, causing your equipment to have to work much harder than necessary. When your HVAC system runs frequently, it’s essential to check the filters often. Generally speaking, they should be changed on a monthly basis to help your system maintain effective, energy-efficient operation.
- Choosing Seasonal Maintenance: Of course, keeping your cooling or heating equipment in top shape goes beyond changing the filter. You’ll want it checked out at least annually by a qualified HVAC contractor, like Expert Home Service. Our technicians make sure your equipment is operating effectively and efficiently by providing you with a complete system check and tune-up.
When you need cooling or heating maintenance, Expert Home Service is ready to help.
As a full-service HVAC contractor, Expert Home Service is ready to help meet your air conditioning and heating needs. Our maintenance service is comprehensive – our system will be thoroughly tuned-up, cleaned, and inspected so that you can confidently rely on it to keep you comfortable. When you’re ready to schedule seasonal maintenance for your system, just give us a call at (352) 429-0705 (Clermont customers) or (813) 632-8889 (Tampa Bay area customers) and we will be more than happy to assist you.