As a San Joaquin Valley homeowner, you most likely cool and heat your home with central air conditioning and a gas furnace, while heating your water with a gas water heater. If this is the case, you have the potential to achieve significant energy savings with a few do-it-yourself tips.
Seal Air Leaks – Using spray foam, caulk and weather stripping, you can close up big leaks in the attic, basement and crawlspace. Then don’t forget to seal around doors, windows and electrical outlets
Seal Ductwork – Leaky ducts allow 20 percent or more in energy losses. You can seal accessible ducts by yourself with a special sealant called duct mastic. Calling a professional to do the job will result in the best outcome, since he will be able to access the difficult stretches of your ductwork.
Increase the Amount of Insulation – The easiest and most cost-effective place to add insulation is your attic. This will increase your home’s R-value, or insulating power.
Install New HVAC Equipment and an Energy Star Qualified Water Heater – If your furnace or A/C is more than 10 years old, or if it’s failing to keep your home comfortable, you can save up to 20 percent on your heating and cooling bills by choosing new energy-efficient equipment. Also, Energy Star qualified water heaters help decrease the energy required to heat your water.
Choose Energy Star Windows – When it comes time to replace your windows, doors or skylights, Energy Star qualified products will protect your possessions from sun damage and increase your home’s R-value by providing improved insulation.
Opt for Energy Star Lighting – An example of this includes compact fluorescent bulbs, which require 75 percent less energy to run, generate 75 percent less heat, and last 10 times longer.
Install a Programmable Thermostat – By using pre-programmed settings, you can set back the temperature according to when you’re away or while you’re sleeping. This provides you with significant yearly savings.
These energy-saving tips for Fresno area homeowners can be accomplished by anyone who makes a little effort. To speak with a professional about making changes in your home to achieve energy savings, contact Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Donald P Dick Air Conditioning services the greater Fresno area in California. To get started, check out our website.