The Department of Energy reveals that 6% of energy bills are spent on the HVAC systems in American homes. This can be a significant portion of the household budget, explaining why many people are looking for ways to reduce their household energy costs. Fortunately, several strategies can help you save money on your HVAC energy bills. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most effective ways to reduce your energy costs and keep more money in your pocket.
1. Utilize a Programmable Thermostat:
By installing a programmable thermostat, you can automatically adjust the temperature of your home to maintain optimal comfort while also decreasing energy costs. This type of thermostat allows you to set temperatures for different times in the day and week so that you don’t have to manually adjust the settings every day. You’ll agree that the convenience alone is worth it in energy savings.
2. Change Your Air Filters Regularly:
Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and put a strain on your HVAC system, making it work harder and use more energy than necessary. To ensure that your system is running efficiently, make sure to change out your air filters every 2-3 months. If you think it’s not time to replace the filters yet, cleaning them out with a vacuum cleaner every month can help.
3. Use Window Treatments to Your Advantage:
Window treatments are a great way to ensure that your home is keeping in air and heat. During the summer, close the curtains during the day to block out sunlight that could cause your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy. In the winter, open up those same window treatments when you are letting in natural light, as natural heat can help keep your home warm. Window treatments can also help trap dust and allergens that can cause your air filter to get clogged more quickly.
4. Clean the Vents:
Cleaning out the vents of dust and dirt can not only improve airflow but also help to ensure that your HVAC system is running more efficiently than before. Make sure to clean these vents out at least once a year or when you begin to notice a decrease in air quality. The easiest way to do this is with a vacuum cleaner or compressed air.
5. Insulate Your Home:
Insulating your home can help keep the heat or cold in and save energy. Check for any areas that may need extra insulation, such as attics and crawl spaces. Adding more insulation to these areas will also help prevent air leaks around windows and doors. Well, it may cost you a bit in the initial investment, but it will definitely help save you money on energy bills in the long run. So be sure to invest in and install extra insulation around your home.
6. Install a Smart Thermostat:
If you love convenience and automated features, then a smart thermostat is for you! A smart thermostat is connected to your phone, so you can control the temperature in your home from anywhere. This makes it easier to adjust the temperature when you’re away or if someone is coming over and needs to be comfortable. Smart thermostats also have energy-saving features, like automatically turning off when no one is home. This can help to significantly lower your energy bills.
7. Don’t Go Too Far:
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is setting their thermostats too low or too high. If you set your thermostat to a temperature that’s lower than necessary, it will use more energy to reach the desired temperature. Likewise, if you set the thermostat to a temperature that’s higher than necessary, the HVAC system will take longer to cool or heat your home. To save energy, keep your thermostat set at a temperature that is comfortable but not too high or too low.
8. Maintain the Unit:
Regular maintenance is essential for your HVAC system. If left unchecked, it can become inefficient and cost you more money on energy bills. Make sure to have an HVAC professional come out at least once a year to inspect and service the unit so that it is running efficiently. This will ensure that you are not wasting energy and money over time.
9. Install Ceiling Fans
The use of ceiling fans in your home can help you save on energy bills. Ceiling fans help circulate the air, which keeps the temperature more consistent throughout the house and reduces the strain on your HVAC system. Your HVAC system doesn’t need to work as hard and therefore uses less energy, meaning you save money on your energy bill.
10. Invest in a New Unit:
Older models of HVAC systems can be inefficient and could be costing you more on your energy bills. Investing in a new unit with more efficient technology will help you save money in the long run. Look for Energy Star-certified systems to get the most bang for your buck. With a reliable HVAC system, you can be sure that your home will stay comfortable while keeping energy costs low.
Service or Install HVAC With Carney & Son 72 Degrees
At Carney & Son 72 Degrees, we offer a variety of HVAC services and installation options to make sure your home’s heating and cooling systems are running at peak efficiency. Our team of experienced technicians can help you select the best system for your home that will save you money on energy bills while keeping you comfortable all year long. We offer both residential and commercial services, so no matter the size of your home or office, we have a solution that’s right for you. Schedule an appointment today to find out more about our services and how we can help you save money on energy bills.