Stop Wasting Energy!
Posted: January 26, 2021 by Andy

Wasting energy is something every homeowner wants to avoid, whether it's when we're heating or cooling our homes. Nobody wants to overpay on energy. Believe it or not, your home has some common areas where energy is wasted. Surprised? Let's discuss where this waste occurs and what you can do to keep it from happening.

Window and door leaks

Small cracks or gaps around your home's windows, doors, and vents can send a surprising amount of your HVAC system's heated and cooled air outside, never to benefit your family. Check these areas annually for air leaks, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulking to keep your conditioned air inside where it belongs.

On a related note, old or poorly designed windows can also leak air and release energy. Replacing these windows is a great way to increase your home's energy efficiency.

Pro Tip: Here's an easy way to check for leaks: Use a lit candle or lighter to check for drafts. The flame will flicker when air movement is present!

Torn or lacking insulation

Home insulation technology has come a long way since your home was built. Replacing that old, broken-down, or torn insulation with a modern, high-efficiency energy barrier can result in energy savings of 30% or more! Rolled insulation is an easy do-it-yourself project, or you can have a professional blow in the fluffy stuff.

Pro Tip: You should have at least 10 to 14 inches of insulation in your attic to properly insulate your home and keep heat from escaping through your roof.

A filthy air filter

As often as we talk about regular filter changes, you should be well aware of this potential problem area. A dirty air filter can have a massively adverse effect on your home's energy efficiency and can overwork your HVAC system to keep your home warm cool. A clogged air filter is the leading cause of HVAC failure. Why? Because a plugged filter restricts the air flowing into the air handler, which strains the entire HVAC system. Not a good thing. Fortunately, this has an easy fix. Simply replace your air filter once a month or so.

Pro Tip: While you're changing or cleaning your filter, tidy up around your unit and be aware of any unusual noises or smells. If you notice either one, call our experts out for a check-up.

Leaky or separated ductwork

It doesn't take much for your ductwork to let air and energy escape. It's typically constructed of thin sheet metal and is easily dislodged when you're moving things around in your attic or basement. Leaky ductwork forces your HVAC system to work much harder and reduces its efficiency. This can also cause temperature imbalances in your home, such as unusually warm or drafty rooms. Your home's ductwork should be professionally inspected at least every two years and cleaned at least once every five. Not only can dirty or leaky ductwork waste energy, but it can also spread allergens throughout your home. If your home is musty or you find that your family is sneezing and coughing often, it's time to schedule an inspection with Hey Neighbor!

Pro Tip: Remember that candle trick we mentioned above? It also works wonders to reveal air leaks around your ductwork joints!

Thermostat problems

If your thermostat isn't working properly, it'll prevent your HVAC system from running efficiently - or at all. Check your battery and settings if you believe it's malfunctioning. You might need to tweak some settings to achieve the comfort level you're looking for. If this doesn't fix the issue, though, we should come out to diagnose and correct the problem. To really optimize your HVAC efficiency, though, installing a smart thermostat will save you considerable energy and money.

Pro Tip: Mark a day on your calendar each year to replace your thermostat's batteries. That way, you'll never have to remember, or wonder when the last time was that you changed them.

HVAC maintenance with Hey Neighbor

Stop wasting energy, and call in the pros from Hey Neighbor! From duct repair and cleaning to general HVAC maintenance, we'll ensure that your system runs at optimal efficiency. Seasonal heating and cooling tune-ups are essential to keeping your system performing efficiently year-round. Don't let a breakdown cause you discomfort. Call Hey Neighbor today for all of your HVAC needs. Save energy and keep your hard-earned money in your pocket this year - and every year!