With worries about high energy costs and no end to the cold weather in sight, many Calgary homeowners are concerned about energy efficiency in their homes. Appliances and HVAC systems make up the majority of a home’s energy costs, but seemingly contradictory labeling and misinformation can make searching for efficient appliances intimidating.
Luckily, there is one label that you can trust and rely on. The Energy Star label generally appears on large appliances, electronics, and heating and cooling systems that have been certified by the United States government’s Environmental Protection Agency as some of the most efficient items available. Looking for the Energy Star label when you shop for new household appliances is one of the best ways to lower your household energy use. Here are some other tips to help you conserve energy in your home:
- Seal air leaks. Efficient HVAC systems can still waste energy if your home is suffering from a lot of heat loss. Check doors, windows, baseboards, and even electrical outlets for gaps where heat may be escaping, and seal them with spray foam, weatherstripping material, or caulk.Make sure your heating ducts are also sealed, as these can be a major source of heat loss if there are leaks present.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Get the most out of your Energy Star furnace and air conditioner by scheduling it to run only when you actually need it. You can program your thermostat to turn down the heat when you’re at work or sleeping, which will save energy and lengthen the life of your furnace.
- Replace your air filter routinely. Clogged furnace air filters can overwork the system, shortening its life and wasting energy and money. Clogged filters also mean potentially harmful particles may be circulating through your home. Changing the filter every three months should be sufficient, but you can change it monthly if anyone in the home has breathing problems or allergies.
Contact Arpi’s Industries, Ltd. today for more expert advice on purchasing Energy Star products and increasing your Calgary household’s energy efficiency. We’ve been serving the Southern Alberta area for more than 50 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about Energy Star and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Image courtesy of Shutterstock
