Despite energy saving measures, heating and cooling costs are high
The device knows when rooms are empty or occupied and adjusts heating and cooling accordingly
The temperature in the northeastern part of the country can drop down into the negative twenties just as easily as it soars into the mid nineties. My local area sees dangerous wind chills, high winds, torrential downpours, freezing rain, blizzard conditions, thunderstorms, feet of snow accumulation, hail and excessive humidity. While the winters are freezing cold and the summers super hot, the fall and spring are typically chilly and wet. There is very little break between running the furnace and the air conditioner. Heating and cooling account for more than fifty percent of my annual energy bills. I have invested into an Energy Star, high-efficiency, state-of-the-art furnace and air conditioner for my home. I take very good care of the equipment, replacing air filters every month and arranging for professional maintenance every year. I’ve added a ventilation system to bring in fresh air and help with humidity in the summer. During the winter, the ventilation system uses the outgoing air to preheat the incoming air and reduce demands on the furnace. Every fall, I go around and caulk any cracks or leaks I might find. I check the integrity of the insulation in the attic. I’ve replaced all of the exterior doors and weatherstripped them. I’ve updated to thermal pane, low E windows to combat air leaks and drafts. Just recently, I replaced my thermostat. I spent several hundred dollars on a smart thermostat with occupancy sensors. The device knows when rooms are empty or occupied and adjusts heating and cooling accordingly. Despite all of my efforts, I’m still not happy with the cost of monthly energy bills.