Taking energy saving measures to trim heating and cooling costs
The average year-round temperature in my local part fluctuates from the low nineties to setback twenty degrees, then my associate and I experience excessive humidity in the summer time and brutal windchill in the winter; Our local weather forecast often calls for thunderstorms, high winds, hail, frosty rain, blizzard conditions and snow flurries. My associate and I rely on the cooling system for about three months of the year and run the boiler for approximately eight months, it’s scarce and exciting when the conditions are mild enough to go without heating or cooling. I adore opening the windows and welcoming in a fresh breeze… Because of the extreme weather, heating and cooling account for about fifty percent of loft energy consumption… The cost of weekly energy bills is a large drain on the budget. I am always searching for new and better ways to tighten up the thermal envelope and reduce demands on the boiler and cooling system. I spent a significant amount of money replacing all of the windows in the house. I updated to thermal pane, low E, Energy Star rated windows and actually 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 season 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 cooling system and boiler every six weeks. I schedule professional service for the heating system in the fall and for the cooling system in the Spring. I make sure the worker tests and inspects the HVAC duct as well.