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Keeping your home comfortable when the weather gets cooler can have a significant impact on your energy bills. In fact, your HVAC system is one of the biggest sources of energy usage in your home. You could end up spending more than you planned to on heating, especially if the weather turns colder than usual. With a few energy-efficient tips, you can make sure your home stays warm while also lowering your heating costs.
Your HVAC system has an air filter that’s used to catch dust, pet dander and other particles. This stops these particles from spreading all over your home through your ducts when your heating system is running. These air filters can become clogged and covered with these particles over time, which causes your furnace or heat pump to work harder and run more than usual. When this happens, you’ll notice a steep increase in the amount of energy your HVAC system is using.
Having a clean air filter in your HVAC system is an important part of making sure that it’s able to heat your home efficiently. Air filters should be checked for debris once a month and replaced as often as needed, which is usually every one to three months. If you have pets, you might have to replace your air filter more often.
Your HVAC system should have routine maintenance done in order to work efficiently. Even if your furnace or heat pump seems to be running smoothly, there might be minor problems going on due to wear and tear. Routine maintenance helps catch these issues before they turn into bigger ones that prevent your heating system from working efficiently.
Making adjustments to your thermostat setting can help you cut down on your home’s energy usage. In fact, the Department of Energy states that adjusting your thermostat between seven and ten degrees for eight hours a day can help you save up to ten percent on your heating and cooling costs. Consider lowering your thermostat at night and when you leave home for the day. You can turn it up to a more comfortable temperature when you’re home during the day.
Although adjusting your thermostat helps you become more energy-efficient at home, remembering to do so can be a challenge. Having a programmable thermostat means you won’t have to worry that you forgot to lower the temperature setting before you left home or after you’ve gone to bed. Programmable thermostats allow you to schedule temperature adjustments at certain times of the day.
I am committed to helping you with your Real Estate needs and I work with a team of agents locally and nationally - so anywhere you have real estate needs, we can help you, and donate to your favorite cause! Some groups my clients have had me donate to are The Humane Society, Smile Train, Wounded Warriors Freedom Station, Second Chance Dog Rescue and Best Friends, to name a few.
For more than 20 years I have volunteered at the Humane Society, doing PFT program (pet facilitated therapy), where I brought puppies to children's hospitals, and Pets with Santa (picture taking with me as Santa, and people would then make a donation). I have also been active with On The Go, a service where I would drive folks who could no longer drive, to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, etc.
