Ah, February— the month to show love! From Valentine’s day to Love Your Pet Day, it’s that wonderfully short month where we get to express our love the most. We want to keep that feeling going before it ends by showing your love for your home, and that can start with reducing water and energy waste! So we challenge homeowners everywhere, to make 2019 the year you show your home some love and cut the waste!
Heating and AC Energy Tips
There are many little ways you can help improve your energy usage around your home. From opening your blinds and curtains to letting the sun heat and warm your living room to keeping your home at a steady temp, the littlest changes can make a big difference. Beyond the little energy hacks, there are many routine upgrades, maintenance tasks, and installs you should consider:
Keep up With The Maintenance
We know you might think that HVAC and AC tune-ups are just an extra bill you don’t need, and if everything is working as it should, why do you need to get it looked at? Well, the fact is that a finely-tuned machine works at maximum efficiency and has a longer lifespan.
When you skip these routine service appointments, you could be missing the little things that could become significant breakdowns or service issues in the future. Not only that, but your system will waste tons of energy trying to work overtime to provide the service it deserves. And annual maintenance can extend the life of your equipment 3-5 years!
Consider an Upgrade
Today’s modern systems are more energy efficient than those made 15-20 years ago. So if you are heating your home with an old system,replacing it with a new one can save you energy and money in the long run.
So what energy efficient options are there?
Heat Pumps: A heat pump is a great home option in San Diego. Why? Because as a place known for its beautiful weather, cold frigid nights are not that common, and temperatures usually stay pretty moderate.
This fuel- free device works by cooling or heating outside air as it brings it into your home.
The air is cycled through your air ducts and then pulled over coils to either cool it or heat it. So you not only get a heater, you get a cooler too! The fact that it doesn’t require fuel also helps you reduce carbon footprint. Read more about heat pumps and why it might be the perfect choice for you here.
Ductless Systems: An easy and quick installation, a ductless system is ideal for heating and cooling a single room at a lower cost than your traditional central AC system. Since it’s ductless, these systems are noninvasive and can be mounted up high to avoid wasting space. They can improve humidity issues and will save you big on your next energy bill. Why’s that you ask? Well, since these are individual units, they provide zoned cooling, allowing you to use the units as needed, wasting less energy and giving you the perfect temperature in every room.
Upgraded Thermostats: The modern thermostats of today are not just aesthetically pleasing; they are energy efficient, too! At Anderson, we install a variety of Wi-Fi, learning, and zoning thermostats that can help evenly heat or cool your home while also conserving your heat and AC energy usage. A modern thermostat allows you to adjust your temperature on the go from any digital device. By having this option, you can ensure you’re not cooling or heating an empty home. Many of them come with programmable settings too, so you can automatically adjust the temperature at night or in the morning.
Going further, some even come with diagnostic capabilities, so you can find significant issues in your system sooner than later, saving you on repair costs. To see all the benefits of updating your thermostat, including a list of ones we offer, refer to our thermostat services page.
Indoor Air Quality
Improving your indoor air quality doesn’t just affect your health; it also affects your HVAC system’s health. By keeping up with regular filter changes, you can ensure your system is working at it’s best. When a dirty, gunked up filter is ignored, your system has to work overtime to pump the air out to you. That wear and tear increases your energy use and puts added years on to your system. Not only that, but you aren’t getting the clean filtered air you deserve. So to keep your indoor air quality high and your HVAC repairs down, keep up with regular air filter maintenance.
Plumbing Tips
From fixing leaks quickly to avoiding water waste to turning off the water while brushing your teeth, there are many ways you can begin to conserve water in your home. When it comes to your plumbing though, you’ll want to consider the below practices and upgrades:
Consider A Grease Trap
If you are an avid cook and your home is on a septic system, you might want to consider investing your money into a residential grease trap. Though they are often thought of as a commercial add-on, a residential grease trap can help you stop contaminating the water. So what is a grease trap, and why should you look into investing in one? Find out more about this green option by reading: Is it Time to Install a Residental Grease Trap?
Water Heater Upgrades
When it comes to your water heater, you have more options than you realize. From tankless heaters to solar-powered systems, there are a variety of ways you can provide your home with the hot water you need. Having the right water heater can help reduce the waste of water and energy. For instance, a water heater tank keeps water hot 24/7 so it is ready when you are, whereas tankless units heat the water as you use it, saving you tons of energy and water in the long run!
Ourprofessionals can help you find the best water heater that fits your needs, so you can enjoy the benefits of being more energy-conscience.
Water Conservation
Today’s modern plumbing makes it easier than ever to go green! From water pressure regulators to low-flow fixtures, updating your plumbing to keep your water waste to a minimum is one of the best things you can do to save the environment and some cash!
The best way to ensure your home is cutting back on water waste is through getting a “water conservation home makeover” with an Anderson Plumbing expert. We start by inspecting your entire home plumbing system Often, we find that the main issue is the water main, and a water pressure regulator might be needed. Next, we check your shower heads and toilets. Modern fixtures and toilets now provide a low-flow fixture that allows you to reduce the gallons-per-minute or gallons per flush. Over time, these all add up, leading to tons of water conservation and a lot less money on your water bill.
Find out more by watching our water conservation videos series in the Anderson Video Library.
If you are looking to begin cutting energy and water waste in 2019 but are at a loss of where to start, the professionals at Anderson Plumbing, Heating and Air are here tohelp! We can assess your home and find the best upgrades and systems that will meet your needs, so you can begin conserving in no time.