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Five Common and Costly Energy Errors to Avoid
It’s common knowledge that you should turn off the lights when you leave a room. But not all energy-saving techniques are so obvious. Avoid these five common mistakes and you’ll have a much better shot at pulling the plug on out-of-control utility bills.
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1. Your appliances are old.
When it comes to heating and cooling systems, age matters. If your equipment is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade. You lose more money over time with an inefficient system than you’d spend on a new, energy-efficient model.
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2. You forget to change your air filter.
A dirty filter will slow down airflow and make your system work harder to keep you warm or cool—wasting energy. Filtrete™ Filters help maintain airflow in heating and cooling systems, which helps prevent stress on the system and reduces the amount of energy needed to reach desired indoor air temperatures. Some filters with similar ratings may restrict airflow in the heating and cooling system. This causes the system to work harder and run longer.
We recommend you change your filter at least every three months. However, the effectiveness and life of the filter can vary and depend on the individual conditions in your home.
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3. You have iffy electrical connections.
Faulty electrical connections can reduce the life of major system components. They’re also a safety hazard. Ask your contractor to tighten all power connections, and measure the voltage and current on equipment motors.
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4. You don’t use a programmable thermostat.
If you’re away from your house during the day or travel frequently, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 each year. If a manual thermostat is your only option, simply adjust temperatures 5 to 8 degrees (down in winter; up in summer) before you leave the house and when you go to sleep at night.
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5. Your home’s exterior is not properly sealed.
Most people don’t know the ins and outs of insulation and sealing. With the help of an expert contractor you can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10 percent of your total energy bill) by sealing and insulating your home’s “envelope.”
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