We’re all hearing a lot about conserving energy lately, and many people, including homeowners in the San Joaquin Valley, are trying to devise strategies for conserving energy that will save both money and the environment. With lots of conflicting information, it can be challenging to figure out how to change your lifestyle. If you’re concerned about conserving energy, here are some tips to help get you started:
- Adjust your thermostat. Most households spend the majority of their energy budget on heating and cooling, and people often heat or cool our homes excessively or unnecessarily. Try turning the air conditioning down or off when you leave the house on milder days, and put on an extra layer instead of turning up the heat. One of the easiest ways to keep your heating and cooling usage under control is to invest in a programmable thermostat.
- Find and seal air leaks. Any air leaks in your home can significantly lower the efficiency of your furnace and air conditioner. If you’re not sure how to locate air leaks, schedule a home energy audit, and let a professional search your home. Once you know where the leaks are located, seal them with caulk, weatherstripping or spray-foam insulation, depending on the size and type of air leak. An energy audit also will identify areas in your walls and attic where insulation is lacking.
- Take it easy on your hot water heater. Water heating is another area where many households are wasteful. Shorten your showers to save both water and energy, or try taking refreshing cool showers in the summer. Avoid doing laundry in warm or hot water, as cold water will clean your clothes just as well. Turn the water heater down to 120 degrees F to save energy.
For more information on making your Fresno home more effective at conserving energy, please contact us at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the Fresno area for nearly 40 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about conserving energy and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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