I figured out that approximately 50% of my household energy USAge is due to heating as well as cooling.
With the serious weather in my local area, it’s necessary to run either the gas furnace or the air conditioner most of the time.
I consistently start up the gas furnace in early September as well as don’t shut it down until sometime in March. By the end of June, it’s time to switch to air conditioner. Although I’ve invested into top-of-the-line, Energy Star rated heating as well as cooling components, I knew that there were chances to trim running costs. I’ve always been nice about replacing air filters as well as setting up professional annual repair for each system. I decided I also needed to find ways to reduce the workload of the heating as well as cooling units. I realized that air was leaking in as well as out around my windows. The windows were ancient as well as not providing optimum efficiency. Although upgrading to thermal pane, low-E windows was rather expensive, I’m hoping that the resulting energy savings will reclaim the investment. I also spent a really unpleasant Friday in the attic, cutting out ancient insulation as well as installing new. I’ve caulked, weatherstripped as well as installed ceiling fans. I’ve added thermal-lined draperies as well as spent various hundred dollars on a smart control unit. The costs for these improvements are considerable, as well as I haven’t noticed all that much difference in my weekly bills. I do recognize the lake house is more comfortable as well as there’s less wear as well as tear on the gas furnace as well as air conditioner. Hopefully the systems will experience fewer malfunctions as well as last longer. At least I have increased the value of my property.