Use the End of Summer to Work On Maximizing Energy Use

Every small step you take to reduce your home energy consumption adds up. But to achieve significant savings over a long period of time, you should devise a long-term energy savings strategy.

Your efforts will be duly rewarded: The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that remaining vigilant about a long-term energy savings strategy, combined with other sensible energy saving measures, can result in a 25 percent annual savings in your energy bill.

With that incentive in mind, here are a handful of tasks you can take on to promote energy savings in your Long Island home:

Plug drafts or install weatherstripping around your doors and windows, which are two prime sources of energy loss.
Seal your ductwork with mastic or foil tape. You could be losing up to 20 percent of the conditioned air you’re paying for through holes in your ducts. Seal the seams and connections, as well, and then wrap them snugly in insulation.
Check the filter on your air conditioner or furnace every month during the respective cooling or heating season. Replace it when it appears dirty, or every three months at a minimum. Dirty filters block airflow, causing your HVAC system to work harder.
Install a programmable thermostat and set it back between 7 and 10 degrees for at least 8 hours a day. This move alone could pare your energy bill by 10 percent a year.
Faithfully schedule annual service for your furnace and air conditioner. By giving your HVAC system a good cleaning and tune-up, you’ll reduce the chances of dirt and grime buildup undermining your system.

Don’t forget to combine your long-term energy savings strategy with simple and daily energy savings measures. Call T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating for a consultation today and start making a noticeable dent in your energy bills immediately.

Image via Shutterstock.com