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Wood windows fall in the middle of the window frame materials when it comes to energy efficiency. They’re more insulating than aluminum and vinyl, but they aren’t as efficient as fiberglass or composite frames. If you love the look and lifespan of wood windows and want to maximize efficiency, you can upgrade to double-pane or triple-pane glass and consider window tinting and low-emissivity (low-E) coatings to minimize heat transfer.

Setting your AC unit to 78 degrees can, indeed, help you save energy. In fact, according to experts, every degree you turn the unit up could save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bills. That said, turning your unit off entirely while you’re out might actually be less efficient than keeping it on at a higher temperature. Why? The unit will need to work extra hard to cool the house back off again after all those hot hours. 

Yes, mini-split or ductless AC systems add value to a home and do not devalue it. They are an attractive feature for potential buyers, especially in older homes without existing ductwork, as they provide a practical air conditioning solution without the significant expense and hassle of installing traditional ducts. Ductless systems also eliminate issues associated with conventional ductwork, such as noise and the potential for pests. Furthermore, homeowners value energy-efficient solutions, and mini-splits offer high efficiency for both heating and cooling, plus zoned temperature control. This leads to lower energy consumption and reduced electric bills, which is a major selling point.

It’s not recommended to turn off your breaker box in hopes of saving electricity. Breaker boxes were not designed to constantly be switched on and off. Therefore, turning off breakers unnecessarily can cause costly damage that outnumbers any energy savings. Only flip your breakers if absolutely necessary when troubleshooting an electrical issue.