Energy Efficiency Tips from Brody Pennell

Many homeowners spend a significant amount of time thinking about how to save money on home costs throughout the year. Your heating and cooling system contributes to a big part of your home spending. That’s why it’s vital that you look for ways to increase your energy efficiency to decrease your total costs. With a little planning and some small changes to your habits, you can be on your way to saving more energy (and money) in no time. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our best tips on energy efficiency from our top blog articles.

Los Angeles Energy Efficiency Tips

Want to cut costs while saving the planet? Here are some of our favorite energy-saving tips from past blogs that you can use to reduce your energy usage and lower your monthly costs:

1. Use a ceiling fan to help circulate cool air through your home.

Many homeowners feel like they have to choose between their ceiling fan and AC. Though the ceiling fan certainly uses far less energy than the air conditioner, it does not always keep you comfortable. In Energy Efficiency: Using Fans vs. Lowering the A/C, we take a look at how homeowners can use their ceiling fan and AC together to keep their home cool and comfortable while saving a significant amount of energy.

2. Weatherproof your home.

Does your home ever feel drafty? Warm or cool air may be leaking out of cracks around your doors, windows, and air ducts, which makes it harder for your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable. Weatherproofing your home can help you find and eliminate these air leaks that waste energy and cost you money. Want more simple tips like this? We’ve got an infographic for that. Check out 6 Simple Tips for Saving Energy (And Money Too!) for more easy ways to save energy and cut down on monthly home costs.

3. Invest in an energy-efficient furnace.

Your heater uses a lot of energy while keeping your home warm and comfortable during the colder months. By investing in a more energy-efficient furnace, you can heat your home without wasting energy or money. To learn more about furnace efficiency ratings and what they can mean for your monthly energy costs, take a look at our article, What are the Ratings for Furnace Efficiency? This is a great read for anyone that is thinking about replacing their furnace this year.

4. Make sure that your HVAC system coils are clean.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, dirty evaporator coils can increase your compressor’s energy consumption by about 30 percent. These dirty coils decrease airflow, which in turn decreases the efficiency of your system. That’s why it is vital to have your HVAC system’s condenser and evaporator coils inspected and cleaned annually. For more great tips like these, check out Going Green While Saving Green: How to Increase Energy Efficiency and Lower HVAC Costs.

5. Purchase a start thermostat.

By now, you’ve probably heard about the smart thermostat. This device allows you to control your home temperature remotely from your smartphone or mobile device, and the system even gets to know your habits so that it can automatically adjust your home environment to your ideal home comfort settings. But did you know that this innovative piece of home technology can actually help you save energy and cut down on monthly heating and cooling costs? We explain all of this and more in What is a Smart Thermostat, Anyway? If you have been considering a smart thermostat, this is a must-read.

Want to learn more about energy efficiency, home improvement, and HVAC? Be sure to check out our blog each month for more great content. While you’re at it, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ so that you never miss an update from Brody Pennell.