Better Whole-House Performance Ensured With This 7-Step Checklist

Saving energy is a big concern in South Texas. With the hot weather continuing well into the fall, your A/C is working overtime and your energy bills remain high. There has to be something you can do to offset this. As a matter of fact, here are seven things you can do to improve whole-house performance and make your home more energy efficient:

1. Invest in more energy-efficient appliances. Particularly your cooling and heating system, which is responsible for nearly half of your home’s annual energy consumption, but also your water heater, dishwasher and other appliances. Look for appliances that bear the Energy Star logo, and are certified to use less energy and save you money without sacrificing performance.
2. Have your HVAC system serviced annually. Regular upkeep will extend its lifespan and help it run at peak efficiency, saving you money and boosting whole-house performance.
3. Make use of ceiling fans. Running a ceiling fan with your A/C allows you to turn your thermostat up 1 or 2 degrees, saving energy without any reduction in comfort.
4. Seal and insulate your ductwork. Leaky ducts can account for energy losses of up to 30 percent. Sealing them makes sure the air from your HVAC system makes it into your home. Insulating them keeps cool air from warming as it travels (or vice versa when heating). Seal leaks with metal tape or mastic sealant, not duct tape.
5. Insulate your attic. Insulation is a great way to improve whole-house performance. It slows the flow of heat, so it takes longer to make your house hot in the summer, but keeps heat inside during the winter.
6. Seal air leaks. Use weatherstripping on doors and windows and seal other leaks with caulking or expanding foam. Also install energy-efficient windows to seal your house more effectively. Keeping outside air from leaking into your home improves whole-house performance and boosts HVAC efficiency.
7. Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent or LED bulbs that provide the same amount of light but use much less energy.

For more tips on energy efficiency, as well as general home comfort advice, please contact us at CCAC, Inc. We’ve been constantly concerned about customers’ HVAC needs in the Corpus Christi area since 1979.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about house performance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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