5 ENERGY-SAVING TIPS FOR THE SPRING

There is no question that this spring is unlike any other that we have experienced here in North Carolina. With many employees and school children now at home during the day, energy costs are rising at a time when homeowners are trying to save money. Are you wondering how you can reduce your home’s energy consumption this spring? Here are 5 energy-saving tips from the home efficiency experts at Newcomb and Company.

Take Advantage of Free and Low-Cost Heating and Cooling Solutions

Now is the time to make the most of your home’s resources. As we detailed in a recent post, there are several different ways to affordably keep your home comfortable. One free way to help keep your home cooler during the day is to crack a window at night to let the cool air in from outdoors. In the morning, you can shut your windows to lock this cool air in.

For a low-cost cooling solution, instead of cranking your AC up when you feel warm, consider first using your fan. This can help keep you feeling comfortable while keeping your energy costs low. However, it is important to remember that fans work to keep you feeling cool by providing a wind chill effect, they do not lower the temperature in your home. Leaving a fan on in a room that you are not in will waste money and energy rather than saving it.

Another low-cost solution is making sure your air filters are clean. Your HVAC system will work harder to compensate for dirty, blocked air filters. This could also cause preventable damage to your unit. Clean air filters will help your cooling system work efficiently and effectively.

Efficient Temperature Settings

As the warm weather starts heating up, consider setting your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature settings. The US Department of Energy suggests that you aim for 78 degrees when you are at home and in need of AC. If you find that your home is still empty for a portion of the day, you can use a programmable thermostat to save even more money. By knocking the temperature up by a few degrees when you are away, you can save an additional 10% on your monthly energy bill.

Home Sealing Solutions for Lower Energy Bills

Unwanted air infiltration is a severe energy waster. When you have vulnerable points in your home, they will let warm air in from outdoors and let your cool air out. This can also lower the air quality in your home and put added stress on your HVAC system. Home sealing is key to keeping your energy bills low. During this process, an expert will detect the points in your home letting out your AC and seal them. This keeps your cool air indoors and prevents your HVAC system from overworking.

HVAC Maintenance and Care

When your HVAC system is dirty or a piece of equipment is not working as it should, your unit will have to work harder to provide effective cooling. During an HVAC maintenance visit, an expert will inspect your system, give it the manufacturer-recommended care, and complete any small tune-ups that may be needed. These will help you lower your monthly energy bills while deterring costly issues from occurring.

Home Performance Audit

The first step towards arriving at a more efficient home is understanding where your home’s efficiency can be improved. A Home Performance Audit is designed to provide that actionable information. An expert will use advanced tools and technology to evaluate your home and report on areas that could be more efficient. This includes inefficient lighting, inefficient ductwork, poor exhaust fans, leaky doors and windows, poorly-sealed attics, and more. After pinpointing where your home has inefficiencies, an expert can help you with a solution that will help save you money for years to come.

Newcomb and Company Energy-Saving Services

When You are ready to make a difference in your energy usage, your monthly bills, and the environment, call the experts at Newcomb and Company. Our professionals are following all of the recommendations provided by the CDC to keep our employees, customers, and community safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. We proudly serve the needs of homes in Wilmington, Raleigh, and surrounding cities. Contact the efficiency experts at Newcomb and Company today to get started!