Controlling HVAC costs is something that everyone would like to accomplish. Lowering cooling and heating costs is more than just a matter of replacing a furnace or installing new windows and expecting your HVAC energy bills to be cut in half. Heating and cooling your home uses more energy than any other system in your home and represents roughly 48% of your utility bill. No single method will make a serious impact on lowering your energy bill. It will take a combined effort of changing old habits and being consistent in practicing energy-saving methods and ideas to effectively control HVAC costs. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Install some upgrades
Switching to energy-efficient heating and cooling products is a good first step, especially if you’re already due for an upgrade or need to replace a damaged or non-working heating or cooling system.
Break bad habits
Turning up the temperature when you enter a cold home will not cause it to heat up faster. Leave thermostats set at the lowest, comfortable setting possible in winter and the highest comfortable setting in summer.
Block unwanted heat
In hotter months, close draperies and blinds in south-facing windows to reduce incoming heat and sunlight. In winter months, keep them open to add natural heat to rooms
Adjust programmable thermostats
Lower your thermostat when you’re away from home or at night while asleep. A few degrees lower can add up to significant savings.
Perform regular maintenance
Change air filters once a month or as recommended by your owner’s manual. Also, have an HVAC professional perform semi-annual check-ups on your heating and cooling systems.
Turn off exhaust fans
After you finish cooking or when you’re done in the bathroom, turn off exhaust fans within 20 minutes to prevent losing warm or cool air.
Don’t heat or cool the neighborhood
Seal cracks around windows and doors with weather stripping to maintain comfortable room temperatures and eliminate having to adjust your thermostat.
Controlling HVAC costs is a matter of applying the correct energy saving principles and maintaining energy-efficient products on a regular, consistent basis. Follow us for more tips and information on how to keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently.