Extreme weather is becoming more commonplace in the Spring, TX area, and many homeowners are looking for ways to conserve energy and reduce their utility bills. On average, utility costs account for up to half of the average household, so making changes to reduce energy use adds up very quickly. Fortunately, there are many easy, affordable ways to reduce energy costs. You may also want to consider investing in your heating and cooling system to reduce energy use in the coming years as weather patterns become more unpredictable. North Point Air Conditioning & Heating can help you along the way.
1. Seal Doors and Windows
Doors and windows in a typical Spring household are where you lose the most money in utility costs. We recommend that you check the seals around these areas to see if air is coming into your home or escaping to the outdoors. The glass of your windows also transfers heat that causes colder indoor temperatures during the winter and warmer indoor temperatures in the summer. If you are not ready to replace your windows, consider investing in thick drapes to minimize the effects of heat exchange.
2. Close Your Garage Door
Few garages in Spring are connected to the main heating and cooling system. The air inside your garage will easily enter your home every time you enter your home through the space. When you keep the garage door open all this time, more air will enter your home on windy days.
3. Insulate Your Attic
In addition to doors and windows, attic spaces in the Spring homes allow for a significant amount of heat exchange. In older homes, the voids are typically not insulated, so you lose a lot of heated and cooled air. North Point Air Conditioning & Heating offers spray foam insulation for attics, and we can seal up the attic quickly and efficiently. We can also check the insulation in the rest of your house to make sure that you are not losing energy elsewhere.
4. Replace HVAC Filters
Your HVAC system has filters that allow air to pass through while trapping particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. Over time, the particles clog the filters, and air cannot pass through as efficiently. As a result, your system runs longer to maintain comfortable temperatures inside your home. You can reduce energy consumption by changing your filters every six months.
5. Install Programmable Thermometers
Programmable thermostats conserve energy by eliminating the need to constantly change your temperature settings. The devices are easy to install and let you set different temperatures for each time of day. You can have one temperature for daytime, another for nighttime, and a third for when you are away from your home.
6. Use a Zoning System
If you close vents in your home to save money, a zoning system is a much better option. Closed vents make your HVAC system work harder, and it can result in unnecessary repairs. Zoning systems work by adjusting a series of louvers inside the ducts and individual thermostats in each zone of your home. The design prevents uneven temperatures in the summer and winter.
North Point Air Conditioning & Heating also recommends zoning systems for Spring homeowners who have certain rooms that are rarely used, such as guest bedrooms. We also carry ductless mini-split systems that can be installed in the additions of your home without modifying your current HVAC system.
7. Service Your HVAC Equipment
North Point Air Conditioning & Heating recommends that you schedule maintenance for your HVAC system two times per year, ideally in the spring and fall. The service includes checking filters, lubricants, moving parts, ducts, and more to keep your system running efficiently. We also look for signs of wear and tear that can be addressed early before your system has major failures and needs costly repairs.
8. Update Your Heating and Cooling System
If you take these steps to reduce energy consumption and want to save even more money each month on utilities, we can help you find an affordable new HVAC system for your Spring home. The investment that you make now is returned by the reduction in energy costs every month for many years to come.
Learn More About Reducing Energy Consumption
The experts at North Point Air Conditioning & Heating help homeowners in Spring and surrounding areas find ways to reduce energy consumption and save money each month on utilities. We offer installation, repair, and maintenance services for residential heating and cooling systems. Call us today to learn more. Be sure to ask about our indoor air quality products!