by Administrator
October 28, 2010
Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. According to the US Department of Energy the average American household spends 43% of their utility bill on heating and cooling. Heating and cooling systems in the US together emit 150 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, 12% of the nation's sulfur dioxide and 4% of the nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.
You can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment. MTB Mechanical can help you find an energy-efficient furnace which is a great start but there are many things you can do around your home for maximum impact. By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings, you can cut your energy use for heating and cooling, and reduce environmental emissions, from 20% to 50%.
Heating and Cooling Tips
-
Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.
-
Clean or replace filters on heating and cooling systems regularly.
-
Clean registers, vents, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed and ensure they are not blocked by furniture.
-
Bleed trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; if in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.
-
Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.
-
During the heating season, draw the shades on your south-facing windows during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night.
-
During the cooling season, keep window coverings closed to minimize the solar impact.
-
Have your heating and cooling systems checked every year by a qualified professional. Regular maintenance will keep your system running efficiently.
Long-Term Savings Tips
-
Choosing energy-efficient products when you buy new heating and cooling equipment. MTB Mechanical can provide you with fact sheets for different types, models, and designs to help you compare energy usage and determine the best solution for your home.