Ever since becoming a homeowner, I’ve been focused on energy savings.
It didn’t take long to figure out that the cost of heating and cooling added up to a significant part of household expenses.
We rely on either the furnace or air conditioner with very little break in-between. With outdoor temperatures varying between the negative digits and high eighties, there isn’t much choice. I constantly look for new ways to reduce demands on the heating and cooling system, prevent energy waste and improve efficiency. Upgrading to a smart thermostat made a big difference. The device learned my family’s typical daily schedule and now automatically adjusts to conserve energy when the house is empty or we’re asleep. I make sure to change the filters in the furnace and air conditioner regularly and have enrolled in a professional maintenance plan that includes service twice per year. Replacing windows was a big expense but is slowly paying for itself by eliminating drafts and preventing the heating and cooled air from escaping. I’ve also added insulation to the attic, caulked and weatherstripped. Just recently I invested in ceiling fans. They are available in all different sizes, styles and price ranges, and my husband and I handled the installation on our own. In the winter, the ceiling fans work to push the heated air down off the ceiling and ensure more even room temperature. During the summer, we reverse the rotation of the blades to create a cooling effect. I believe my next energy saving measure will be having a heat recovery ventilator installed. I’ve read that these devices not only improve air quality but help with humidity and trim heating and cooling costs.