Don't Heat And Cool The Entire Neighborhood

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You may remember as a child hearing your parents say that we are not trying to heat or cool the entire neighborhood! This was usually preceded by a command to close a door or a window while the air conditioning or heating system was running. As much as we may hate to admit it, Mom and Dad had the right idea. Trapping cool air inside the home in the summer and warm air in the winter is the key to lower electric bills and more efficient operation of your air conditioning and heating systems.

One of the easiest ways to prevent warm or cool air loss from your home is to check your home for drafts. On a windy day, light a candle and carry it around the house near window frames and doors, electrical outlets and exhaust vents. Watch the candle flame for flickering which indicates an air gap that needs to be sealed with caulking. Large gaps around pipes can be sealed with spray foam insulation found at most hardware stores and home improvement centers.

Adding insulation to your home is another way to save money on the electric bill while you cool or heat your home. Blown-in attic insulation provides an excellent barrier between the roof and ceiling. It will hold in the warm or cool air while keeping the unpleasant elements out. Rolled insulation can also be added to the attic for a similar effect.

Window coverings make a surprising difference on a home's energy bills. Foam backed curtains and drapes provide the highest level of protection from the outside elements, but most heavy fabrics will help to insulate a window against extreme heat or cold. Tapestries hung on ancient castle walls were more than ornate wall coverings. They helped to insulate the rooms against the cold, damp rock of the castle walls.

Roofing materials can also affect a home's insulation levels. New metal roofing products are installed directly over the existing roof, creating an air gap that acts as an insulator between the outside air temperature and the attic. Other roof panels are manufactured with thermal insulation materials, providing even greater insulating power.

Another way to save money on your heating and cooling bills is to install a programmable thermostat. These digital devices replace the old thermostat and offer multiple settings to be programmed for different times of the day or night. Set the temperature for your comfort zone only when you plan to be home, and adjust upward or downward for times when you will be at work or asleep. This keeps your heating and air conditioning unit from working overtime to heat or cool an empty house.

There are plenty of other ways to save money on your heating and cooling bills. Research efficiency ratings before buying a new heating and cooling system for your home. Plant deciduous trees near windows to allow for shade on the house in the summer and sun on the house in the winter. Many of these hints boil down to good old common sense. Wouldn't Mom and Dad be proud?

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

In Gwinnett County, Lawrenceville and the greater Atlanta area when you call Hixon Heating and Air Conditioning our number one goal is to fix your heating or air conditioning system right the first time. We guarantee the lowest prices on all Lawrenceville heating and Dacula heating and air conditioning products. Call us for a free estimate at 770-513-3558.

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