Environmentally Friendly Heating and Air Conditioning Tips

Heating and air conditioning systems are normally the largest consumers of energy in the home, along with the environmental costs of high fuel use, the associated price continues to rise rapidly making energy conservation even more important. Even small adjustments in habit or equipment can lead to considerable savings over time and a smaller detrimental effect on our environment. In the next few paragraphs we will discuss some simple checks, maintenance and easy tips for decreasing your fuel consumption and household expenses.

Many appliances have become more environmentally friendly and energy efficient but even with new equipment if your house is poorly insulated you can be wasting huge amounts of energy every year. Insulation can take many forms and is not only a concern for attic or basement spaces, adding weather stripping around windows and outside doorways is an easy and convenient way of improving the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning equipment. Interior doors also allow large amounts of airflow around your home, adding door sweeps reduces that and retains the heat or cool in the areas you choose.

Air filters are another element of your heating and air conditioning systems that are easy to check and replace and also all too often overlooked, an old and dirty filter can decrease the efficiency of that equipment considerably. The proper maintenance and regular service by a professional HVAC technician will ensure that your equipment is functioning as cleanly and efficiently as possible. Also if your home has a furnace or fireplace it is essential to have these cleaned and inspected also, build up of debris in these systems can lead to the release of harmful carbon monoxide gas into your home.

Not all environmentally friendly and cost saving heating and air conditioning efficiency changes are technical or equipment based, a huge part of being more energy efficient is through minor lifestyle adjustments. During winter months make sure doors, windows or vents are securely closed and if necessary sealed with extra insulation to prevent heat escaping. If you often leave the thermostat at the same temperature at all times then you are wasting considerable amounts of energy in all seasons, adjusting for times when you are out or do not require as much heating or cooling can save you a surprising amount. In homes with multiple thermostats for different areas adjust for less populated areas so energy is not wasted using heating or air conditioning in rooms that are unoccupied or less used.

While it is important to remain comfortable in your home, it is often the case that a slight adjustments in temperature and less stress on your heating or cooling systems can lead to great savings, not only for your wallet but also your impact on the rest of the world.