6 Bad Efficiency Habits You Should Break Immediately

Skipping necessary household tasks and taking advantage of household appliances can be inefficient and costly. Inefficient habits like leaving electronics plugged in and skipping HVAC maintenance decreases your Palm Beach County, Florida, home’s efficiency.

Leaving the Fridge Open

Leaving the fridge open for a few seconds here and there may not seem like a big deal. However, when you add up all the minutes wasted in a year, you might be surprised at the amount of energy lost. In fact, the average person spends approximately 10.4 hours each year looking into an open fridge. Each time you open the fridge, it requires additional energy to replenish the cold air. Leaving the freezer open wastes even more energy.

Skipping HVAC Maintenance

Routine HVAC maintenance is one of those tasks that we tend to put off. If the unit seems to be working properly, it might not seem like immediate maintenance is needed. But keeping up with routine maintenance is one of the best ways to increase efficiency. Not only does preventive maintenance increase the efficiency of your unit, but it can also save you money on your monthly utility bills and help you avoid costly HVAC repairs.

Letting Water Run

Water is another costly household expense. By letting the faucet or shower run when you are not yet using them, you are wasting water and energy. The same energy loss occurs when using a dishwasher or a washing machine, so it is best to wait until both appliances are full before using them. If possible, it can also be helpful to adjust the temperature setting of each appliance to one that uses less heat.

Not Using a Smart Thermostat

Installing and using a smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC unit. Changing the temperature on your thermostat by even a few degrees can make a significant difference in terms of efficiency and cost.

When using a smart thermostat, you can automate your settings to decrease system usage when you are away from the house or sleeping. Then, you can set it to automatically adjust when you return so you never have to sacrifice comfort. Using a ceiling fan in combination with a smart thermostat is also a great way to increase your household efficiency.

Leaving Electronics Plugged In

Leaving your household electronics plugged in may seem like the most convenient thing to do, but it actually drains a lot of energy. These devices continue to draw energy even when you’re not using them. While each device alone may only draw a small amount of energy, a household that is full of electronics can waste a lot of energy. Unplug chargers, TVs, and computers to maximize your household efficiency. To make it even easier, connect your electronics to power strips and turn them off when you leave the room.

Not Changing the Air Filters

Changing your air filter might seem like an easy task that carries little importance. Although it is an easy task, it may be more important to your household’s efficiency than you think.

The air filter is designed to filter out dust and other household contaminants. Once these build up in the filter, it can decrease the airflow. This forces your HVAC unit to work harder, thus decreasing its efficiency and increasing your household heating and cooling costs. Ideally, you should change your air filter at least once every 90 days, but some households may require changes more frequently.

It is not always easy to break household habits that decrease our home’s efficiency. But by doing things like keeping the fridge closed, regularly changing air filters, and keeping up with routine HVAC maintenance, it’s possible to break those habits and maximize the efficiency of your home. Call Stephen K. Denny, Inc. today at (561) 250-7415. We would be happy to schedule your important HVAC preventive maintenance and cleaning appointment.

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