Are you one of the many homeowners in Lake County who have discovered the benefits of going solar? If so, then you’re already saving considerable energy, and therefore saving money. But there is much more you can do to achieve high electrical energy efficiency in addition to going solar. A lot of it has to do with how efficiently you use your HVAC systems!
The thing is, even with solar power, your HVAC systems make up half of all your home’s energy use. That’s a lot! Much of this energy is used when your HVAC systems cycle on and off. Considering how hot and humid our summers get and how chilly our winters can become, you’re going to be using both your heater and your air conditioner a lot. Boosting efficiency is done in some simple steps we are going to cover below, and boosting that efficiency will help you save even more energy and money.
Check for Air Leaks
Did you know you could actually be losing energy through drafty doors and windows in your home? They need to be properly sealed so that not only does conditioned air stay in, but that the outside air stays out.
Air leaks can have a significant negative impact on your energy efficiency since your HVAC systems will have to run longer to compensate and try to reach the desired temperature on your thermostat.
Open Your Blinds and Curtains in the Winter, Close Them in the Summer
Sunlight is enjoyable, right? Maybe not so much in the summertime though. In the summer, sunlight pouring into south-facing windows can make your home much warmer. As a result, your air conditioner is going to run, a lot. You can bring your home down several degrees naturally by closing your blinds and curtains from about 10:30 AM to 3 PM, and therefore save energy since your air conditioner won’t have to run as long.
The same concept applies during cooler weather. For the remainder of this fall and then throughout the winter, leave your blinds and curtains open during the day. Let the radiant heat from the sun make its way in. You may be surprised by how much warmer you feel without even needing to run your furnace or heating system as often.
Mind Your Temperature Settings
We know how tempting it can be to make your home as warm as possible in the winter, and vice versa in the summer. But if you truly want to make a difference with your energy usage and subsequent energy bills, then you should follow the guidelines set forth by Energy.gov on where you should keep your thermostat set.
During the winter, they recommend temperatures no higher than 68°F and during the summer, no lower than 78°F.
By following these tips and by scheduling routine maintenance for your heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re operating as efficiently and effectively as possible, you’ll be sure to have an energy-efficient home!
To learn more about solar energy in Lake County, CA, or for more great energy saving tips, contact Jonas Energy Solutions today!