Taking energy saving measures to trim heating and cooling costs
The average year-round temperature in my local area fluctuates from the low nineties to negative twenty degrees.
We experience excessive humidity in the summer and brutal windchill in the winter.
Our local weather forecast often calls for thunderstorms, high winds, hail, freezing rain, blizzard conditions and snow flurries. We rely on the air conditioner for about three months of the year and run the furnace for approximately eight months. It’s rare and exciting when the conditions are mild enough to go without heating or cooling. I love opening the windows and welcoming in a fresh breeze. Because of the severe weather, heating and cooling account for about fifty percent of household energy consumption. The cost of monthly utility bills is a huge drain on the budget. I am always searching for new and better ways to tighten up the thermal envelope and reduce demands on the furnace and air conditioner. I spent a significant amount of money replacing all of the windows in the house. I upgraded to thermal pane, low E, Energy Star rated windows and very carefully caulked around them. I’ve also installed more energy efficient exterior doors and weatherstripped. I use ceiling fans to help distribute the heat in the winter and help with cooling in the summer. Insulating the attic made a noticeable improvement in comfort and efficiency. I am also diligent about replacing filters in the air conditioner and furnace every six weeks. I schedule professional maintenance for the heating system in the fall and for the air conditioner in the spring. I make sure the technician tests and inspects the ductwork as well.