Celebrate Earth Day: Reduce Energy Use
How to Reduce Energy Consumption on Earth Day and Every Day
Earth Day is a good reminder to look for ways to reduce energy consumption. Here are some tips to save money and energy this spring and throughout the year.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
A smart or programmable thermostat allows you to save energy by programming your HVAC system to turn on and off depending on when you’re home. You can schedule specific temperatures to ensure you’re receiving the utmost comfort, while saving money and energy.
Smart Lighting
Turn off lights when you leave a room to save energy and extend the bulb’s lifespan. Double check that all of your lights are off when you leave your home. Consider switching from traditional incandescent bulbs to LED lighting when possible. LED lights consume a small fraction of the energy other bulbs require and have a much longer lifespan.
Seal all Doors and Windows
Keep all doors and windows closed while your HVAC system runs. Otherwise, air will escape, and your HVAC unit will work harder to maintain the temperature. Check for leaks and purchase weather stripping to seal the edges of your windows, if necessary.
Use Your Ceiling Fan
As temperatures begin to rise, consider utilizing your ceiling fan to cool down, instead of turning on your A/C. Ceiling fans use much less energy than your HVAC system and can cool specific areas of your home effectively.
Check Your Air Filter Monthly
Regularly replacing air filters can reduce the energy output from your HVAC system and improve your indoor air quality.
Mindful Laundry
Heating water in your washing machine accounts for 90 percent of its energy use. Wash your clothes in cold water to cut down on the amount of energy required to do laundry. Cold water cleans just as well and better protects your clothes. Instead of using a dryer, consider hang drying your clothes. This saves energy and reduces wrinkles and shrinkage.
Water Conservation
The average U.S. home leaks up to 10,000 gallons of water per year. Look for water leaks and fix them right away to save on energy and water loss. Additionally, consider turning down your water heater temperature from 140°F to 120°F. You likely won’t notice the temperature difference, but you’ll see savings on your water heating bill.
Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance
Last but certainly not least, the changing of the seasons is a great time to schedule an HVAC tune-up. A trusted HVAC professional can help to ensure you are using the minimum amount of energy required to properly heat and cool your home.
For more information on reducing energy consumption or to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment, give us a call at 317-203-8149.
Posted in: HVAC Indianapolis, Indoor Air Quality
