Take Action Today to Save Money & Increase Energy Efficiency Tomorrow
- Maximize the Energy Efficiency of Your Windows. If your home’s windows are very old, that means they’re most likely very inefficient. It’s probably time for a more cost-effective, energy efficient upgrade. Standard windows are susceptible to heat loss in all kinds of ways: direct conduction through the glass, glazing or frame, radiation of heat out of your house caused by room temperature objects like people, furniture and interior walls and air leakage through and around the untreated glass. Here are your top 2 options:
- Install brand-new energy efficient windows in your home to reduce the amount of work your HVAC unit has to do to heat or cool your home. Outfitting your home with new, energy-efficient vinyl windows are a great way to trap heat inside your home and will eventually pay for themselves within a few years through reduced heating costs.
- If your budget is tight, there are improvements you can simply apply to your current windows. Improve the efficiency of your current windows by adding storm windows, caulking, and weather stripping, along with various other window treatments or coverings.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats have become hugely popular as of late due to their unparalleled comfort, convenience and most of all, energy saving benefits. These high-tech thermostats save both energy and money by letting homeowners set and automatically control the ideal temperature for their home. Preset your thermostat to lower your indoor temperature late at night when you and your family are in bed, warm under the covers. But don’t forget to tell it to kick on in the early morning so the house is warm and comfortable by the time everyone is awake. With a quality programmable thermostat, you will typically see the return on your investment within one year—when installed and used properly, these devices can save homeowners up to $180 annually!
- Change your air filter regularly. Now here is an easily remedied mistake that we still see all-too-often. Especially during the coldest months of the year where your furnace is getting the heaviest use, you should be checking your air filter (and replacing it, if necessary). If the filter looks dirty after a month, don’t hesitate—change it! At a minimum, change the filter every three months, even if it appears clean. According to Energy Star, a government-affiliated company specializing in energy efficiency, a dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work double-time to keep your home cool or warm; wasting immense amounts of energy in the process. Wasted energy is still energy that must be paid for. A clean, fresh filter is one of the best ways to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck out of your energy bill. Regular filter changes will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the furnace unit, which can lead to expensive repairs, maintenance or early system failure in the not-too-distant future.
Call Radiant today to learn what else you can do to keep your energy bills low while you stay warm this winter!
