Take These Simple Steps to Boost Your Homes Energy Efficiency

December 16, 2014

Energy efficiency can seem like a big, pricey task, but it doesn’t have to be. Energy efficiency not only relates to how your home’s heating and cooling system is running, but means that you’re possibly saving money every month. Basic practices such as turning off lights when you leave a room, swapping out furnace and air filters, and programming your thermostat are a few of the easiest, most impactful ways to make your home more efficient. We all understand that the winter and summer months in Libertyville can bring about an greater dependency on both heating and cooling systems, so why not make sure they’re running at their most efficient levels?

Dirty air filters alone can decrease the airflow in your home, resulting in a heating and cooling system that has to compensate by running harder than it would typically. Over time, those systems will fail faster, resulting in the need for a replacement earlier than you’d like. Changing or cleaning your air filters monthly may drastically alter the life of your system and give you more consistent comfort as well.

So what other common tasks can you complete to improve your energy efficiency?

-        Seal or add weather-stripping around your exterior doors and windows

-        Add extra insulation to your attic

-        Ensure both your laundry and kitchen appliances are clean and free of lint and dust

Something else to ponder when improving your energy efficiency is the age of your system. Older systems are typically much less efficient than newer systems. Sure, it sounds obvious, but the difference a new system can make is significant, so before you decide whether or not to make repairs to your current system, be sure to view your newer choices as well. The rule of thumb for the lifetime of heating and cooling systems is between 12 and 15 years, so if your system is near that age, be sure to look at all your options.

Energy efficiency doesn’t have to be difficult, and with the team at TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical in Libertyville, you can be sure that you’re in the right hands. Whether it’s more basic tips to maintaining your heating and cooling system or guidance on purchasing a new system, give us a ring at 847-362-0262 and we can put you on the right path.