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(HealthNewsDigest.com)-Lowering your home’s heating and cooling bills can be easier when your heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is working at its peak efficiency.
The good news is that small steps can make a big difference when it comes to improving the way an HVAC system operates.
Here are a few tips:
• Check and maintain your insulation. Improperly insulated walls, floors, attics, basements and crawl spaces drain away heat and can also lead to moisture imbalance. Adding weather- stripping and caulk around windows and doors can also go a long way to improving your home’s insulation.
• Adjust your thermostat. Raising your thermostat by 5 degrees in mild weather and lowering it by 5 degrees during the heating season can decrease your energy bills and still not affect your home’s comfort. Install a programmable thermostat to keep temperatures regular.
• Keep vents and returns free of obstructions. Don’t lay carpet over vents, place furniture over or in front of them or obstruct the flow of air.
• Clean your air filters. Check them every couple of weeks and change them at least twice in the season or as directed by the manufacturer.
• For optimum comfort, have your system checked by a certified technician at the beginning of the cooling season and again in preparation for the heating season.
A certified HVAC technician, such as those certified by NATE (North American Technician Excellence), can help homeowners evaluate their current system and is likely to be extremely knowledgeable about high-efficiency systems, such as those with an ENERGY STAR label, which can reduce the impact on the environment and can also save you money.
NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVAC/R (air-conditioning or refrigeration) industry by passing specialized certification tests.
Another resource is a Web site called HVACRAdvice.com. It features a contractor locator where homeowners can type in their ZIP code to find companies that employ NATE-certified technicians and an energy-savings calculator.
The site also provides a number of useful documents and information pages, such as heating/cooling checklist, maintenance tips and information on how to make your home more energy efficient.
To learn more, visit www.HVACRAdvice.com.
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