Let’s take a look at a few ways to save money on your heating and cooling bills:
Install Weatherstripping and Caulking: Weatherstripping is one of the most effective ways to seal leaks and keep the warm or cool air in. You can buy weatherstripping in various materials, including foam, felt, and vinyl. It’s usually applied around doors and windows but can also be used in areas where air might leak, such as around electrical outlets and switch plates. Caulking is another great way to seal leaks and stop air infiltration. It’s a sealant that comes in a tube and is applied to cracks and gaps to create a weathertight seal.
Set your Thermostat Properly: The best way to save money on your HVAC bill is to put your Thermostat to the temperature you need. If you set it too low in the winter, you’ll have to crank it up to get warm, and if you put it too high in the summer, you’ll have to turn it down to cool down.
Replace your Air Filter: Your HVAC air filter is responsible for filtering out allergens and other airborne particles that could cause respiratory issues in your home. Changing your air filter regularly will help prevent air quality issues and could also help lower your energy bills. A clogged filter could cause your system to work harder and use more energy. A dirty air filter can increase your energy bill by up to 15 percent, while a clean filter can improve your system’s efficiency by up to 20 percent.
Use a fan or several: Ceiling fans don’t lower a room's ambient temperature. However, they can make it feel up to 4 degrees cooler. Strategically using a ceiling or portable fans can keep you feeling cooler for a fraction of the energy and cost that an air-conditioning unit uses. There’s no reason to cool every square foot of a big house if you’re only working within a few square feet. Also, since fans only cool you, remember to turn them off when you leave a room.
Mind the gap: Having a tightly sealed house can prevent cool air from escaping and minimize the hot air seeping in, which can, in turn, save you money on your cooling bills. Consider adding a line item to your spring maintenance list to check for any gaps in windows, doors, or siding. It won’t cost much (or require a lot of effort). Still, you can reduce the heat transfer by repairing gaps identified with caulk, weatherstripping, or additional insulation before the summer heat arrives. If you need help identifying the leaks, many utility companies offer home energy audits for a nominal fee. Drafty windows and doors are the top culprits, so focus on these areas if you’re short on time.
Purva Land is a subsidiary of one of India's largest real estate developers, The Puravankara group. With more than 45 years of experience, this project is armed with the knowledge to find and develop plotted communities that have immense economic potential for growth.
