Every new season brings about change, and for homeowners, those changes signal some weekend projects around the house. As spring transforms into summer, the temperatures and accompany energy bill is sure to rise.
To help with the change in temperature (and energy bill), here are some weekend projects that any DIYer can complete.
Home Maintenance Weekend Projects to Help with Your Energy Bill
- Change Air Filters
Air filters are a key component of a functioning HVAC system. The AC pulls air from inside the home, which is cooled by the AC. Then, the air is supplied to the rest of the home through the HVAC system. The air filter prevents dirt, dust, and other particles from entering your system. If the filter is dirty or clogged, it will reduce airflow. The reduced airflow makes the HVAC system less efficient and makes the system work harder to keep you warm or cool you down.
Take a couple of minutes to change out the air filters this weekend.
- Reduce Energy Sucking Devices
Vampires are a big part of today’s entertainment industry, but don’t let them suck any additional energy from your family. Energy sucking devices (or appliances and electronics that use energy even when they are off) are called vampire devices.
Walk around your house and note anything with a clock or light that is on, even though the device is off. To reduce your energy bill, then plug these devices into surge protectors or use outlets connected to wall switches.
- Replace Light Bulbs
Energy efficient light bulbs, such as CFLs and LEDs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs because they use less energy. Keep in mind that CFLs should be recycled once they burn out.
Take an hour or so and review your light bulbs. The local hardware store will carry CFLs and LEDs. Pick up some light bulbs and replace any old bulbs. Keep extra bulbs in the house and replace old bulbs with more efficient bulbs when they burn out.
Energy Efficient Weekend Projects to Help with Your Energy Bill
- Manage the A/C Cooling Process
Often, we return home from a hot afternoon and look to crank the A/C to cool down the house. However, icing the house to keep you or your family cool for a couple of minutes adds up. If you maintain the A/C at a reasonable setting, then you’ll end up keeping your energy bill in check.
For example, set the thermostat to 78 because the smaller the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures, the smaller your energy bill. Also consider installing programmable thermostats into your home.
- Properly Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation, not only cuts down on excess noise, but more importantly permits better temperature and humidity control in your home, while saving up to 20% on your energy bill.
Air will seep through cracks in the attic and walls, so to prevent warm air from leaking into your home – insulate the attic, along with sealing air ducts, which accounts for about 30% of a cooling system’s energy consumption.
- Maintain the Cooling System
Many homeowners, particularly new homeowners, likely have energy efficient A/Cs installed in their home. However, simply because the A/C is energy efficient, it still requires maintenance due to normal useage in order to reduce your energy bill.
Find a qualified HVAC technician to inspect your AC system to ensure it is leak-free and operating as efficiently as possible before sizzling summer temperatures arrive. Also, have the tech provide a small training so you know how to clean air filters because this is essential to keeping the AC unit running smoothly during the summer.
At SolvIt, we simply want to help homeowners enjoy their homes. During the warm weather, we like to spend time with friends and family. As the temperatures rise, ensure your home provides a comfortable setting for house guests.
If you have any questions or cooling issues, then don’t hesitate to call – we are here 24/7 to help!