Energy costs in California are among the highest in the U.S., which means that energy-saving investments have big payoffs here. These energy investments may help you lower your bills all year long:
- Upgrade the windows. Replacing single-pane windows with dual-pane, Energy Star windows saves you money throughout the year. New windows not only keep out drafts better, they also do not conduct heat in the summer or let it out in the winter. If new windows aren’t in the budget, inspect the window frames, indoors and out. If you see cracks or gaps between them and your home’s interior or exterior walls, seal them with caulk.
- Tend to the doors. Weatherstripping can wear out over time, and if yours is worn, replace it with fresh, which you can find at home centers. Remove the old, clean the door frames and apply the new.
- Check the attic insulation. Homes in our region should have 16 inches in the attic for the best thermal protection year-round. Increasing it is relatively inexpensive and, for some homeowners, a do-it-yourself project. Either fiberglass batt or blown-in are good materials that last for decades.
- Insulate the water heater. Next to heating and cooling your home, heating your water is the next largest energy cost you are likely to incur. Wrapping your water heater with an insulating blanket is one of the best energy-saving investments, along with turning the temperature down to 120 degrees, which prolongs its life.
- Consider new HVAC equipment. It’s a substantial investment, but it will pay for itself in lower energy bills. In fact, if your furnace and air conditioner are over 10 years old, you might save as much as 40 percent or more on monthly energy bills. Savings are even more if you choose high-efficiency equipment and your current system is 15 or 20 years old.
If you’d like to learn more about energy saving investments, contact Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating. We’ve provided HVAC services for the Greater LA area since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy saving investments and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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