Where did 2011 go? It seems hard to believe, but 2012 is just a few days away. That means a lot of people are making their New Year’s resolutions right now. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind for the New Year to help you save money and use less energy. These are all fairly simple things you can do in your home that can save energy and save money.
Your San Antonio air conditioning and heating system is responsible for more than half of all the electricity you use. That’s why air conditioner maintenance is so vital. One part of that is making sure you regularly change the air filter in your home. A dirty air filter clogs air flow and makes your AC system or heater work double time, which means it’s costing you more money. Here are a couple rules of thumb about air filters. During December, January and February (the peak winter months), change your filter each month. During May, June, July and August (the peak summer months), change your filter each month. During the other months, get into the habit of checking your filter each month to see if it’s dirty. If it is, change it. If not, change your filter every 60 days during those non-peak months. And if you have pets or allergies really bother you, change your filter every couple of weeks.
When you leave a room, do you remember to turn off the lights? It’s a simple thing, but it’s amazing how often we all forget to do that. Leaving on lights in unoccupied rooms is a drain on your wallet – and is the quintessential example of wasting energy.
Speaking of lights, switching to CFL bulbs is a great way to save energy. CFL bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs. They do cost a bit more than incandescent bulbs, but one, single CFL bulb saves you $30 on your electricity bill over its lifespan.
Finally, get an air duct evaluation. The average home loses about 30% of its cooled or heated air through faulty ductwork. That means you’re spending money to keep your attic heated or cooled. Champion Home Services offers a free air duct evaluation to catch problems like improper design or layout, unsealed ducts and ducts that are the wrong size for your home. If you decide to make changes to your ductwork, CPS Energy offers rebates up to $2,500.
