In most American homes, heating and cooling accounts for over half of the household’s energy consumption according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Cutting those costs down to a manageable level needn’t be difficult or expensive. There’s a variety of ways to make improvements without comprising the level of comfort in your Mobile AL home. Any step that you take that allows your AC and heater to run less often helps lower your monthly utility bills. Here are five easy ways to reduce costs for your heating and cooling in Mobile AL.
1. Seal Up the Envelope
The term “building envelope” describes the exterior walls, ceilings and floors that make up the outer shell of your home. Any feature that passes through that shell, such as window, doors, vents and utility fixtures, is a potential cause of energy waste. Armed with weather-stripping material, spray foam and caulking, you can easily seal up the gaps in your home’s building envelope and lower your energy costs.
2. Add Attic Insulation
According to the EPA, around 80 percent of homes constructed before the 1980s have inadequately insulated attics. Poor insulation lets heat escape from your home in the winter and allows heat indoors during the summer. Adding insulation to your attic allows your HVAC systems to run less frequently without compromising your comfort.
3. Landscape Strategically
With some strategic plantings, your landscaping can reduce the length of time that your heating and cooling systems operate. In wind-prone areas, densely planted shrubs and trees help keep breezes at bay. Deciduous trees planted near the south and southwest sides of your home offer shade in the summer while letting winter sun filter through.
4. Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Heating and cooling systems are designed to deliver years of performance when properly maintained. A neglected system typically needs to run longer to deliver the same degree of comfort. HVAC experts and consumer advocates agree that scheduling seasonal maintenance for your HVAC systems pays off in better efficiency, fewer repairs and a longer service life.
5. Install Energy-Efficient HVAC Equipment
The heating and cooling equipment manufactured today is up to 40 percent more energy efficient than those produced just a decade ago. If your HVAC equipment is more than ten years old, you’ll likely save more money over the long run with a modern replacement. The variety of features included in newer models means that you’ll enjoy an enhanced level of comfort too.
Action Heating & Air Conditioning is pleased to offer a broad range of HVAC products that operate at high energy efficiency, saving you money through reduced monthly energy costs. As experts in heating and cooling in Mobile AL, our NATE-certified technicians are well-acquainted with the types, makes and models that work best in the community. A commitment to excellence means that you can depend on our skilled techs to provide expert service and repairs as well. Please contact us for all your HVAC needs.
