Save Money on Heating and Air Conditioning
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, consumers will spend between $1,500 and $2,500 this winter to heat their homes. For many people, that is almost an entire month’s paycheck. Living in the mid-Atlantic means that we have to be prepared for hot and cold weather, so there is no “off season” when it comes to our HVAC units. What can you do to save money on heating and air conditioning bill throughout the year?
Use natural sunlight to your advantage.
In order to save money on heating and air conditioning, during winter months allow the sun to help out your heating unit by opening shades and curtains to allow the natural warmth in. Close curtains on the shady side of the house to keep cooler temperatures from coming in. In warmer weather keep blinds and curtains closed to keep the sunlight out during the day.
Don’t fiddle with the thermostat constantly.
Consider installing a programmable or Smart thermostat. This will allow you to change the temperature at specific times during the day. If no one is in the house during the day, you can program your thermostat to automatically adjust a few degrees to save energy. If you get home at 5:30 pm, set the thermostat to return to a more comfortable temperature 15 minutes before you arrive.
Complete an energy audit.
Contact an energy company to come to your home to complete an energy audit. This looks for any leaks in ductwork, windows, or doors. They can tell you where problems are and how to fix them, which could be something as simple as moving obstructions away from air intakes or re-caulking windows. If you want to save money on heating and air conditioning, make sure the air is not going into places you don’t want it, such as the attic or through a crack in your ductwork. Be sure that all windows are properly caulked and that your insulation is in good condition. Paying for insulation may seem like a hassle but it will quickly pay for itself with the money you save on bills.
Keep it clean.
One very simple way to keep your HVAC unit running efficiently is to change the air filters regularly. Each filter will tell you how often to change it, but it also depends on your home. If you have pets or if you smoke, you will need to change the filters more frequently. Generally, you should change your filters every 30 days to 2 months. You can sign up to have filters delivered to your home regularly. This makes it easier because you don’t have to remember to change the filter – it’s time to change it when it comes in the mail. You also don’t have to remember what type of filter to get. After the first order, the same type of filter will be shipped to you each time. Make sure your outdoor unit is clear of leaves and debris so air can flow unobstructed. To save money on heating and air conditioning, your unit should be running smoothly. HVAC specialists recommend having your unit serviced twice a year – once before cold weather and once before hot weather. This will keep things running more efficiently and extend the life of your unit.
Look for Energy Star units.
When it is time to replace your HVAC unit, look for an Energy Star rated unit. This ensures that your unit runs more efficiently. Older units run on Freon (R-22) but newer units use a more efficient, environmentally friendly refrigerant called Puron (R410A). HVAC units generally have a life span of 10 years, but if you maintain your unit and have regular service visits from a certified HVAC specialist, you could extend its life by many years.
There are many ways you can save money on heating and air conditioning but the easiest ways are to be mindful of how much heating and cooling you actually need, and to keep your unit running efficiently. Get in touch with Weather Crafters for all your HVAC needs. We are here to answer questions, complete energy audits, perform maintenance, and any other services you may need. We are happy to help!
For more information on how to save money on heating and air conditioning check out https://www.powerhouseheatandac.com/blog/hvac-repair-omaha/how-to-save-money-on-your-heating-bill/
