How to Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency at Home

Your home is your sanctuary—a retreat after a long day, a space to gather with loved ones, and a hub of productivity when needed. It can serve as an office, classroom, play area, and entertainment center, all rolled into one. With so many roles, your home should be a dependable place of comfort.

To support these functions, your home systems work hard to maintain a comfortable environment. However, this energy consumption can significantly impact both your wallet and the planet.

The Energy Cost of Comfort

Did you know that heating and cooling systems account for about 55% of an average home’s energy consumption, according to the Department of Energy (DOE)? This doesn’t even include other home systems such as water heating, appliances, electronics, and lighting, which make up the remaining 45% of total energy usage.

This energy usage has environmental implications as well. The average household releases an estimated 17,320 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere annually—70% more than the emissions of the average passenger vehicle. With such a substantial impact, improving energy efficiency at home is more important than ever.

How You Can Improve Energy Efficiency at Home

The good news? Small changes can lead to big savings—both for your energy bills and the environment. Modern heating and cooling equipment is designed with energy efficiency in mind. That’s why Ruud® has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program with the “Sustained Excellence” honor multiple years in a row.

If you’re considering upgrading your HVAC system, talk to your contractor about energy-efficient models from Ruud®. According to the DOE, replacing outdated heating and cooling systems can reduce a home’s energy usage by up to 20% or more, depending on the current system’s condition.

Not in the market for new equipment? No problem. There are many low- and no-cost options to help you save on energy bills and reduce waste.

Simple Tips to Boost Energy Efficiency

Here are some practical ways to maximize the efficiency of your existing HVAC system:

• Maintain Clean Filters: Clean or replace HVAC filters once a month or as recommended to ensure optimal airflow and efficiency.

  
  

• Unblock Air Registers: Make sure warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators are clean and free from obstructions like furniture or curtains.

  
  

• Use Radiator Reflectors: Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and radiators to direct heat back into the room.

  
  

• Leverage Natural Light:

  • During winter, open draperies and shades on south-facing windows during the day to let sunlight warm your home naturally.

  • During summer, keep window coverings closed to block excess heat from entering.

    
    

• Seal Air Leaks: Ensure your home’s insulation is sufficient and seal any air leaks. This simple step can lead to whole-house energy savings of 10-20% and even more in older homes.

Why It Matters

These small actions can have a significant impact on both your monthly energy bills and your home’s carbon footprint. By improving your home’s energy efficiency, you’re not just saving money—you’re contributing to a healthier planet.

Get started today by implementing these tips or consult a Rudd® Pro Partner™ to explore energy-efficient HVAC solutions tailored to your home. The comfort you deserve doesn’t have to come at the cost of high energy bills or environmental harm.