Energy-Saving Steps For Budgets That Are Tighter Than Ever

Arizona’s climate requires a significant amount of cooling each year, and on average, cooling consumes the majority of most homeowners’ energy budgets, making energy-saving steps critical. Mild winters don’t mean you can sit back and relax, especially if your budget is tighter than ever. Savvy homeowners look for ways to cut costs all year long, and the following energy-saving steps can help you do so:

• Lower your heat and put on a sweater instead. By locking in a lower setting, you’ll save 1 percent on your energy bills for every degree you lower the thermostat.
• Change the furnace filter regularly. A clean filter ensures that enough air can blow through the filter and into the furnace, whereas restricted airflow causes the heating system to work harder and consume more energy.
• Decrease the energy your water heater consumes. Water heating uses a lot of energy as you go about your day washing dishes, showering and using your clothes washer. In fact, it generally comes in second, next to cooling and heating, for most homeowners. Make sure your system’s set to 120 degrees, as most manufacturers’s preset systems to 140 degrees.
• Upgrade your heating equipment. A more significant investment, upgrading your furnace system to a higher-efficiency one will pay you back in better energy savings.
• Seal your home. If your home has air leaks in its outer walls, you’re most likely losing heat in the winter – and summer – and that’s energy you’re paying for but not enjoying in terms of comfort.
• Get a home performance audit. A home energy audit performed by a professional can pinpoint energy losses throughout your home. Experts use tools designed to evaluate hidden insulation and air leak issues, and that information can provide you with an effective strategy to upgrade home efficiency.

The good news is that these energy-saving steps will keep your home efficiency humming throughout winter and summer. It’s an investment in your home and your comfort that will pay you back.

If you’d like help upgrading your home’s efficiency, or to schedule a home performance audit, contact the experts at Wolff Mechanical today!