The transition to fall means cozy sweaters, crisp breezes, and pumpkin carving. It also comes with celebrations, gatherings, yummy food, and the beginning of the holidays. For many people, autumn is their favorite time of year. It is also a good time to think about changing some habits to reduce energy consumption. Along with routine furnace repair in Los Gatos, CA, here are some other energy-saving tips for fall.
1. Set Back the Thermostat
Cooler mornings and cooler nights mean you won’t need to rely as much on your air conditioner to keep things comfortable. You can open the windows instead. But don’t forget to adjust your thermostat. Otherwise, you could be throwing money right out the window.
2. Clear the Air Registers
The transition to fall means less reliance on the heating and cooling system in your home. But that doesn’t mean you should block the registers. Instead, you want to go around the house and make sure all of your HVAC registers are free and clear. Putting furniture, drapes, or carpets over the registers will limit the amount of hot or cold air it can emit, causing the system to run longer and less efficiently when you eventually do need it.
3. Let the Sun Warm the Home
The transition to cooler temperatures also means it is time to open up your window coverings. You no longer need to block the sun and keep unwanted heat out of the house. Instead, you want the sun to help naturally warm your home during the early hours of the morning and late hours of the evening. This will brighten up the space and help save money on your energy bills.
4. Seal Cracks, Leaks, and Drafts
Fall is also a great time to test your windows and doors for leaks and drafts. All you have to do is close all the exterior windows and doors. Then run all the exhaust fans in the house to create negative air pressure inside the home. Next, slowly pass an incense stick around the window and door frames. If the smoke pulls towards you, then you have a gap you need to fill with replacement caulk or weather stripping.
5. Reverse the Ceiling Fans
Most people think ceiling fans are used only to cool things down. But, they can also work to warm things up. During the summer you should set your fans to run counterclockwise to more forcibly move the air and cool things down. Then, in the cooler months, switch them to run slower and move counterclockwise. This pulls the cool air up and forces the warmer air back down. This little trick can save homeowners as much as 15 percent on their heating bills.
Something you never want to neglect is getting a furnace tune-up in the fall. It is the best way to make sure your system is ready for the change in season. It also helps prevent major breakdowns and emergency repairs. For reliable furnace repair in Los Gatos, CA contact the HVAC experts at Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning.
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