Thanks to the polarizing weather extremes of Connecticut that causes blazing hot summers and frigid winters, your HVAC system is a necessity. Unfortunately, by taking up nearly half of most people’s total energy consumption, it is an energy sucking necessity that drives your carbon footprint and the cost of already high electric rates in CT through the roof. With the summer fast approaching, it will soon be time to crank up the A/C; to help reduce the effect that this will have on both your carbon footprint and how much the Connecticut energy suppliers bill you, we’re going to outline five tips that will cut into your HVAC system’s energy consumption.
1. Control your HVAC system with an automatic thermostat
Running your HVAC system all day is not a good idea. If you switch you’re A/C off when you leave, though, you’ll be coming home to an uncomfortably hot house. This leaves you with two undesirable options: either remain hot for long after you get home or allow your HVAC system to suck energy all day.
Fortunately you are not beholden to these options alone. Instead of worrying about whether or not you need to switch you’re A/C off, have an automatic thermostat installed. Such a device can be set to turn off right when you leave and switch on just before you come home.
2. Upgrade your HVAC system
HVAC systems take up a lot of energy in general, but low efficiency HVAC systems are big time energy hogs. Investing in a high efficiency (look for the Energy Star label) HVAC system will cut deeply into your energy consumption. Since having a new HVAC system installed usually runs in the thousands, this is the most expensive way to improve your home heating and cooling, but it is also the most effective tool in your fight against the high rates that Connecticut electric suppliers typically charge.
3. Make sure to get regular maintenance
Having your HVAC system inspected at least once a year will allow you to maintain optimal performance and discover any mechanical issues that could be causing your HVAC to take up more energy than it needs to.
4. Change your filters often
Changing your HVAC system’s air filter at regular intervals will reduce the likelihood of mechanical, issues occurring and maintain its optimal efficiency (the latter cuts into your energy consumption). The manufacturer’s recommendation for when to change your air filter will vary, but for best results you should change yours ever 30-60 days, especially if you are running your HVAC system a lot.
5. Don’t work against your HVAC system
The electric rates in CT are higher than they need to be due to the fact that people are working against their HVAC systems throughout the day; most of them don’t even realize it. Here are a few ways that you could be inadvertently causing your energy bill to rise—and how to fix it:
Leaving your windows open
The summer air is hot. Leaving your windows open invites it in, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a constant temperature. Unless there is a hazard or your HVAC system is broken (in which case it will not be affecting how much the Connecticut energy suppliers charge you anyway), keep your windows closed at all times.
Not closing your blinds
During the summer, the sun is looming all day. In order to reduce its ability to overheat your home, close your blinds so that its rays remain outside.
Turning the AC up too high
We know that some of you like to enjoy a relatively cool home after dealing with the sweltering heat. Connecticut energy suppliers are counting on this, because your HVAC has to work harder to maintain a low temperature, so it will allow them to charge you more. You don’t have to crank up your temperature so high that you’re A/C turns off either: even a one or two degree difference can have a strong impact on your energy bill.
To learn more about how to reduce your carbon footprint…
Please contact Make the Switch USA. They are dedicated to helping simultaneously reduce carbon footprint and energy rates in CT by connecting people like you with inexpensive, energy efficient Connecticut energy suppliers.
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