Ways to keep your heating and cooling systems in good repair
There are several ways to keep your heating and cooling systems in good repair, many of which will also help you to lower energy costs. Here are some suggestions:
1. Heating and cooling systems need to have regular maintenance to prevent expensive and costly problems. Be sure that your system is balanced and operating at full efficiency. Do not forget and neglect your duct work and insulation. If necessary, repair any leaks and add insulation.
2. Find a level of comfort that suits your family's needs. Try lowering the thermostat by one degree a week, to help determine the lowest temperature that is still comfortable for your family. Check for outside air leaks and make any necessary repairs. In areas that need extra warmth, consider using a supplementary heat source.
3. Consider getting a programmable thermostat system, because it really makes no sense to heat and cool an empty house. Try experimenting by making changes to the temperature setting a half an hour before your family regularly leaves and returning the temperature setting a half an hour before they return. This may take some time for the changed settings to have an effect. Check the batteries on a regular basis if you have a programmable thermostat. If the batteries fail, the programs will no longer work and could cause your heating or cooling system to operate when not needed and also increase your energy bill.
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4. Many fireplaces leak energy and can cause your heating and cooling systems to operate more, which may decrease your systems life expectancy. Instead of a big, roaring fire, build smaller, more steady fires. Invest in a glass door for the front of your fireplace, this not only helps conserve energy but also adds a decorative appeal. Be sure to close the damper once the fire is out. Leaving a damper open is just like leaving a window open.
5. Check around windows, door, vents, air conditioning units, and places where pipes come into your house for cracks that let cold air in and hot air out. You can fix these areas by filling the cracks with caulk, which is very inexpensive.
6. Try lowering your hot water heater temperature setting. You may need to experiment to find the right balance. Set it to 110 to 120 degrees, if you have a calibrated dial. If necessary, move it to a higher setting. Some water heaters read only high, medium, and low. Try the next lower setting, then make adjustments.
7. Try washing the majority of your clothes in warm water. Warm or cold water settings should do an adequate job, unless you are dealing with oily stains or when bleaching whites.
8. Every time you use your clothes dryer, be sure to empty the lint screen. Also a clogged exhaust can cause your dryer to run less efficient, so be sure it is cleaned on a regular basis.
9. Try the dollar bill test on your refrigerator doors to make sure they have an air tight seal. Check this by closing the door on a dollar bill, if you are able to pull the bill out easily you may need to adjust the latches or replace seals. Efficient refrigerator temperature settings are 38 to 40 degrees in the fresh food compartment and 5 degrees in the freezer section. An efficient setting for a deep freeze is 0 degrees.
When your heating and cooling systems are operated only when needed, you will save money on your energy bills and at the same time keep systems in good repair. Running systems when not needed and inefficiently can result in higher bills, a need for more repairs and decrease the system's life expectancy.
