Don't Get Pinched By High Energy Bills on St. Patrick's Day
It's a common worry this time of year to remember to wear some green to avoid getting pinched on St. Patrick's Day. With all the things homeowners should worry about, this small detail can easily be forgotten. However, instead of worrying about being pinched, homeowners should find an easy way to make the connection to the holiday so they remember to participate in the festivities.
Two easy ways to remember to wear green are related to a home's HVAC system. First, heating and cooling systems cost a lot of money to operate, so it takes a lot of "green" to keep them running. Second, homeowners can focus on green, eco-friendly initiatives to save a little green. Here are three easy ways to achieve both goals and avoid high bills.
Learn How to Use the Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are installed in nearly every home. Indeed, many local building codes require them to be installed in living spaces and bedrooms. Using these important tools every season can dramatically impact comfort and energy savings.
Fan rotation is crucial to ensure that the fans are doing their jobs. In the warmer months, fans should have a cooling effect. They turn counterclockwise and push an air stream into the occupied space. In the cool months, the air stream is uncomfortable and makes people cold. Instead, the fan should spin clockwise. This allows the fan to push pooled warm air down around the room's edges, warming the room without making a draft.
Use Clean Air Filters
Clean furnace filters are the foundation of good indoor air quality in the home and are vital for lower energy bills. Every heating and cooling system has a filter that prevents dust and grime from building inside HVAC systems. Coincidentally, these filters also help to clean up the air in the home. Unfortunately, when these filters get clogged and overburdened with dirt, they harm the ability of air to flow through the system.
When a dirty air filter impedes airflow, the system's efficiency drops. To compensate for the lack of airflow, the system must work harder to maintain the temperature in the home. This leads to longer runtimes and, consequently, higher energy bills.
Use Eco-Friendly Smart Thermostats
The final suggestion for celebrating a green holiday by saving some money also allows homeowners to be more eco-friendly. Smart thermostats are the perfect fusion of technology and environmental consciousness. With smart thermostats, owners can reduce their total HVAC system usage by allowing the system to optimize based on the schedule of people in the home.
When no one is home, the thermostat will allow the temperature to creep up or down, depending on the season, to keep the HVAC system from running. When it anticipates people returning home or uses a feature called "geofencing," it brings the space back to a comfortable temperature, saving the person money and effort at the same time.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling offers same-day and emergency service for heating and cooling repairs and installations. They always provide upfront pricing to help the owner make the right decision for their budget. Call today for HVAC service in Livermore, CA & in the Tri-Valley area.
