Fall, Football, & Falling: Fahrenheit Savings with a Chance to Invest
I don’t know about you, but this summer has seemed quite long.
Several heat domes impacted our area over the past few months and pushed the Fahrenheit to record or near-record levels. While that’s good for electricity sales, it drives up our power bills, puts stress on our crews who have to work in the heat, and generally makes life outdoors difficult.
This month, however, we arrive at the doorstep of my favorite season. Fall officially starts September 22 and brings cooler, drier weather, evenings around the fire pit, college football, and beautiful colors from the leaves changing before they drop.
Cooler weather also usually delivers less expensive power bills. Hotter outside temperatures make air conditioners work harder and run longer to maintain cooler temperatures inside. The greater the temperature difference between the inside and outside air, the harder HVAC systems must work. So, any drop in the thermometer will help air conditioners run less and use less power.
Since in most cases heating and cooling systems are by far the largest consumer of electricity in your home, the savings on your power bill can be considerable. That’s why it might be a good time to think about investing those power bill savings in some energy efficiency improvements. Of course, what you decide to tackle will depend on how much savings you actually see.
An inexpensive measure that can improve efficiency and comfort is to caulk around windows and doors. I did this around my house last fall. In a couple of places, I added spray foam as well due to the size of the opening I was trying to fill. While it was a bit time-consuming, it helped cut down on drafts in the winter and provided a lasting, monthly reduction in energy use all year long.
Fall is also a good time to get your HVAC system serviced. Heating and cooling professionals are generally not as busy this time of the year, so getting an appointment should be easier. A freshly serviced system will run much more efficiently and save you money.
An investment you should also consider is a “smart” thermostat. There are many brands and choices that offer many features and options. Smart thermostats can allow you to program schedules for each day of the week. In the summer, setting your thermostat at a slightly higher temperature during the day when you are not at home can offer some savings. Conversely, in the winter, you can program your thermostat at a slightly cooler setting. Either way, your heating and cooling system will not have to work as hard to maintain the temperature during those times when no one is home to enjoy it.
Another great feature of most smart thermostats is that they can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network. This will give you the ability to control it from anywhere you have internet access on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. And, to make sure you have the best internet connection possible at your home or business, sign up for service with Coosa Valley Technologies. We offer the only all-fiber network in our area.
A slightly larger and potentially more expensive job you might consider if the budget allows is adding insulation in your attic. The insulation may have been adequate when your home was built, but over time it may settle. Inspect your attic or get a contractor to inspect it. Appropriate attic insulation levels in the Southeast are between R-30 and R-60. The amount of insulation you’ll need to achieve those levels will depend on the materials you use.
For more information about R-values of insulating materials, please visit the Energy Services page. Check the Home Energy Saving Tools for information that will help you determine other improvements you can make, both easy and difficult, that can save you money on your power bill as well as improve the comfort of your home.