Some energy-saving tips

In Central Texas, air conditioning usually eats up the majority of your home-energy expenses. We have some tips for how to keep your costs down.

• Attic insulation … the more the better. This is, I think, one of the best places to invest on energy efficiency. 
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• Plant shade trees. The sun on your house turns it into a greenouse. Plant deciduous  trees to help keep your home shades in summer, and warmer in the winter.
• A lot of people don’t think about it, but keeping your shades drawn and blocking out the sun makes a huge difference. 
• Raise your thermostat. Every degree higher in the summer saves you 6 percent on electricity. The Rule of Thumb: If you’re gone for six hours or more during the day, turn up your thermostat.
• Program your thermostat. If you are gone for long periods on a regular schedule, program your thermostat to shut down while you are gone.
• Change that filter: Do it at least every three months … it makes a big difference in keeping your AC unit clean, and allows for a smoother flow of air intake.
• Check for duct leakage: Most homes that are 10 years old or older are leaking at least 15 percent of their air conditioning through holes and splits in the AC ducts. There are some amazing new technologies to check for these leaks and seal them. Ask us about them.