Tag: spring

3 Spring Efficiency Tips for First-Time Homeowners

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spring efficiency for first-time homeowners

If you recently became a homeowner or are going to become one for the first time, congratulations! Owning a home gives you a great deal of independence and autonomy, but it is also a great deal of responsibility. There are many ways you can keep your home in good condition, but one of the most important ways we’re going to talk about today is energy-efficiency. An energy-efficient home costs less to run and maintain, is more comfortable to live in, is better for the environment AND has a higher resale value! If you don’t know what you can do to up the energy savings in your home, don’t worry. The pros at Roman Electric are here to help you out with some great spring efficiency tips for first-time homeowners.

1. Save Up on Heating and Cooling

Your heating and cooling system is one of the heaviest consumers of energy in your home. So, if you want to save up on your energy bill, start with your HVAC unit! There are multiple ways you can save up on cooling this spring:

  • Set Your Thermostat a Few Degrees Higher

According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% on heating and cooling bills by setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher for 8 hours a day. Try out this energy-saving method and see if you notice a change in your energy bill. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, this might be fairly easy to try out.

  • Use Fans

Instead of relying entirely on your HVAC unit to provide cooling, set your thermostat at a bit of a higher temperature and use fans instead. Fans create a wind-chill effect, cooling the person instead of the room.

  • Change Your Air Filter

One of the easiest ways to maintain your HVAC unit is by changing the air filter. Not only will it improve your AC’s efficiency as well as your home’s indoor air quality, it will also reduce your unit’s consumption by 5 to 15%!

2. Use Low-Flow Fixtures

Water conservation comes under the umbrella of energy-efficiency and spring efficiency. So, if you want to save up a little bit on your water bill, try installing low-flow fixtures. A lot of toilets, showerheads and faucets are on the more wasteful side and low-flow fixtures get the same job done without wasting too much water. According to the DOE, low-flow faucets and showerheads can cost up to $20 a piece while saving water by up to 60%.

3. Choose LED Lights

Consider switching to LED lights in your new home. These lights last 25 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs and use at least 75% less energy. By simply replacing 5 of your home’s most frequently used lights with LEDs, you could save $75 a year in energy costs.

Want more energy-efficiency tips for your new home? Get in touch with the pros at Roman Electric! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website!

Springtime Indoor Air Quality Problems and How to Avoid Them

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how to avoid indoor air quality problems

Springtime brings with it a lot of indoor air quality problems such as high humidity, dust mites and a higher pollen count. Since Americans are spending even more time indoors with the uptick in COVID-19 cases, they have a higher likelihood of being exposed to indoor allergens. If you want to practice social distancing without any allergies, check out this guide by the pros at Roman Electric on how you can avoid Springtime indoor air quality problems.

1. Reduce Humidity

High levels of humidity are expected with the increasing temperatures during Spring. Excess humidity can bring various allergens indoors so it’s important to take extra measures to prevent the increase of humidity. Here are some things you can do:

  • Ventilate Your Home

Make sure your home is properly ventilated, especially places where humidity and moisture content is high such as your bathroom and kitchen. Use your exhaust fan often and open your windows occasionally to let fresh air in.

  • Move Your House Plants Out

House plants are beautiful, but they contain a lot of moisture that can make its way into the indoor air. Either move them outdoors for a bit or cover the soil with rocks and stones to prevent moisture build up in your indoor air.

  • Clean Up Excess Moisture

Once you’re done using the shower or a sink, be sure to use a squeegee or a towel to clean up the moisture build up in your bathroom or kitchen. If moisture is left behind it can lead to mold build up which can lead to costly problems in the future.

2. Clean Your Vents and Registers

Air ducts carry a fair share of dust and dirt in and out of your vents, which can lead to dust build up on your vent grilles overtime. Take a few minutes out to vacuum your vents and registers using the vacuum brush attachment. Follow this up with a wipe from a damp cloth to thoroughly clean up any leftover dust.

3. Change Your Air Filter

Changing your air filter only takes a few minutes but it can make a world of a difference. A clogged air filter can reduce air flow, worsen your indoor air quality and cause other problems such as dirty coils or a frozen evaporator coil. On the other hand, a new, clean air filter can improve your indoor air quality and reduce your AC’s energy consumption by up to 15%.

4. Thoroughly Clean Your Home

Take a day out for some Spring cleaning to prepare your home for the new season. Thoroughly vacuum all the corners of your home and even give it a mop for some extra cleanliness. Change your sheets, declutter any spaces in your house and get your home sparkling for Spring. Here are some tips to consider when Spring cleaning your home.

Want to learn more about how you can avoid springtime indoor air quality problems? Contact the pros at Roman Electric! You can reach us at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us online!