Air Conditioning Your Mont Albert Home
When you think about heating and cooling your home in Mont Albert, do your thoughts turn to money and energy efficiency? In short, the more efficient heating and cooling systems are, the less they cost to run. Therefore, your utility bills will be lower. Moreover, energy efficiency is good for the environment, too. So, install an efficient system today and start reaping the benefits.
Before you invest in a new system, ask about the Energy Rating Label. It lets you know how energy efficient a model is compared to others like it. If you want to increase the efficiency of your system but you’re not in the market to replace it, consider a professional home energy assessment. It can show you how specific fixes — like sealing air leaks or beefing up insulation — could help you save money and boost efficiency.
Think “Efficiency”
More than half of the energy use in a typical home goes toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). There’s plenty to consider when you look at new heating and cooling systems. The latest options, the cost to buy them, how much energy they use, and the cost to operate them.
By choosing the most energy-efficient equipment that meets your needs in Mont Albert you may be able to spend less money. And it’s good for the environment, too; energy efficiency can reduce air pollution and help conserve natural resources.
Here’s how to tell if it’s an efficient system:
Once you know which systems are appropriate for you, tools are available to help you find out about the energy efficiency of specific models:
- The Energy Rating Label. Anyone selling heating and cooling systems has to let you know how much energy a product uses. As well as, how it compares to similar models, at the point of sale. Manufacturers provide that information on a product’s Energy Rating Label. But depending on how you shop, you may not see the actual product and label. So the information might be on a website, a fact sheet, a brochure, or a directory. If you don’t see the information, ask for it.
How Else Can You Save on Energy?
Being an energy-smart consumer means getting the most from the energy you use. You can:
Do a home energy assessment.
It will tell you how efficient your heating and cooling systems are and where your home is wasting energy. Say, through air leaks or under-insulated attics and ducts. Your utility company may offer free or low-cost energy assessments, or recommend a local company or organization to do them. Check with your state or local government energy or weatherization office for recommendations.
- A professional assessment with special equipment like blower doors and infrared cameras might cost several hundred dollars. Before you choose a company, be sure to get several references, and check the company record with your local consumer protection agency. Make sure the auditor uses a calibrated blower door and does thermographic inspections. Your assessment should include specific recommendations you can implement.
Seal air leaks and insulate:
- Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and places where pipes and wires come through walls. Check existing caulking and weather stripping for gaps or cracks.
- Check ducts for holes and gaps where sections have separated and air may be leaking. You can seal some leaks yourself with mastic sealant or metal tape (don’t use duct tape). Hiring a professional to repair leaky ducts can be a good investment.
- Bring your insulation up to standard levels where your energy assessment shows it’s needed.
If your home has very old or inefficient windows, think about replacing them.
Look into special energy efficiency offers around Mont Albert.
Ask your local utility or system salesperson about cash rebates, low-interest loans, tax breaks, or other incentives for buying energy-efficient products, and how you can qualify.
Notice the small stuff.
Small savings add up. Other energy-saving ideas include:
- Lowering your thermostat in winter and bumping it up in summer or getting a programmable thermostat to do it automatically.
- Checking filters as recommended to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced. Checking fireplace dampers are closed when you don’t have a fire going.
Shop smart for “energy-saving” products
Be sceptical of gadgets and products that promise drastic reductions in home cooling costs or extreme energy savings. Verify product claims with an independent source you trust. Resist high-pressure door-to-door sales calls for furnaces, windows, and other home improvement products. Find a contractor who’s licensed and reputable. Remember Rapid Cold Airconditioning has your back with ARC Licencing, A Grade Electricians, Warranties and On going Maintenance agreements.
Contact Rapid Cold today for a free no obligation quote and discuss your options with our friendly staff.