Let’s face it, we all love our air conditioners. There’s nothing like July in Dunwoody to make a Georgian appreciate their AC. However, some of the most beloved appliances are also the biggest energy hogs; here are the worst offenders and how to tame them.

HVAC Systems

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HVAC systems account for 48 percent of a home’s energy costs. If you’re looking to increase efficiency fast, switching to an ENERGY STAR HVAC system or heat pump is a great start. Another option is installing a programmable thermostat, a device that automatically adjusts the temperature for times you regularly sleep or work. Keeping your home snuggly warm or pleasantly cool is wonderful, but only if you’re there to enjoy it.

Ceiling Fans

The secret to ceiling fans? They only cool people. So don’t leave fans running in an empty house, as it won’t feel any cooler when you get home. Another secret: Ceiling fans have two settings, one for summer that blows air down to cool and one for winter which pulls warm air down. Find out how to adjust yours to match the season. Also, turn the thermostat down if you’re running the fan, or you’ll be doing energy bill double duty!

Water Heater

Hot showers are one of life’s little joys, but there’s no denying water heaters are energy hogs. You can keep the bubble baths, but odds are your water heater doesn’t need to be set to boiling hot either. Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees for maximum efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this reduction will save you 3 to 5 percent a month in energy costs. So you can still have that hot shower and relax about the energy bill. It’s a win-win!

Appliances are a great addition to a healthy, efficient home; taming those energy hogs can help you save the environment as well as your finances. Call E. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning at 678-369-8866 if you are interested in energy-efficient HVAC or want to try our popular Energy Savings Agreements.

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