As we get ready for the heat and mugginess of a South Texas summer, let’s talk about some ways you can keep your energy bills down as the temperature goes up.
- You’ve no doubt heard this one since childhood – turn the lights off when you leave a room. With lighting accounting for 10 percent of the average energy bill, your parents were on the right track. Also ensure you’re using light bulbs of the proper wattage, and consider buying compact fluorescent bulbs.
- Turn off and unplug unused appliances. Unplug electronic devices and chargers when not in use.
- Run full loads in the dishwasher and bypass the dry cycle, letting them air dry.
- Wash and dry full loads, and clean the lint filter in the dryer. Hang clothes to dry when possible.
- Keep your thermostat up to 78 degrees when you’re home; cool off with ceiling and room fans. When you’re away, set the thermostat up a couple of degrees. For best efficiency, use a programmable thermostat to do this automatically.
- Check windows and doors for air leaks, and seal any leaks you find with caulking or weather-stripping. Consider switching to Energy Star-rated windows.
- Inspect ductwork for leaks and breaks, paying special attention to connections at ceilings and walls. Leaks should be sealed with mastic sealant or metal tape. It’s a good idea to have a professional HVAC contractor do this work, which can pay for itself in lower energy bills.
- If you’re looking to make a longer-term investment in energy efficiency, consider energy-efficient appliances, looking specifically for Energy Star certification. A new refrigerator or air conditioner could each save you 10 percent in comparison with your current equipment.
- If you are running a refrigerator or freezer in your garage expect to pay $30 to $50 per month extra on your electric bill in the summer time. Running these appliances in hot, unconditioned spaces can really cost you in electric consumption.
- Check insulation in the attic. If it’s R-19 or less, consider improving to at least R-30.
For more on lowering energy bills and other home comfort topics, contact us at CCAC, Inc. Located in Corpus Christi, we’ve been serving the Coastal Bend since 1979.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy bills and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Mathews CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
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