It’s no secret that running your furnace or air conditioner can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. However, going without heating or cooling isn’t a very good alternative, and, depending on where you live, it’s not always possible either.
Many times, the main issue is not having a reliable energy supplier by your side. By looking for the best electricity rates, you can compare all the options and choose the best one. Most of them even let you review your home’s monthly energy usage to avoid having any bill surprises.
Therefore, it’s important to make sure that your HVAC system is running efficiently and not using any more energy than what’s needed. The best way to do this is to speak with a licensed HVAC professional or call an air conditioning repair Denver expert to see where your system is losing efficiency.
However, there are also a few things that you can do to keep your heating and cooling system running at optimal levels.
So, keep reading to learn how you can save money on your heating and air conditioning costs.
Schedule Annual Maintenance Visits:
Ensuring that your HVAC system is operating at an optimal level is one of the best ways to save money on your heating and cooling costs. Therefore, if you don’t get regular maintenance visits from a licensed HVAC technician, it might be a good idea to consider it.
We recommend scheduling annual visits, however, if you use your heating and cooling system a lot, it’s not a bad idea to schedule semi-annual visits.
This makes sure that your system is operating efficiently and that all of its parts and components are in good shape and operating properly.
Seal Windows and Doors from Drafts:
Typically, people only tend to think about stopping drafts during the colder, winter months. However, it’s just as important in the hotter months to ensure that you’re not wasting any energy trying to cool a home that is constantly losing air.
Any type of air leak, whether it’s from your windows or doors, will rob your heating and cooling system from running efficiently because hot/cold air will be continuously escaping.
That being said, when running your HVAC system, it’s important to keep all windows closed and ensure that the weather seals around your doors are in good order.
In the winter, you might also want to consider covering your windows with clear plastic. This may not be the most aesthetic solution; however, it adds additional insulation between your windows and your living spaces and can save you a lot of money on your heating bill.
Run Your System at Stable and Optimal Temperatures:
We know that the temperature at which you set your thermostat is a matter of your own comfort. However, most HVAC systems have optimal temperature ranges where they operate the most efficiently.
To find out your system’s best operating range, consult your owner’s manual or speak to a qualified HVAC technician.
We also recommend that you avoid changing your home’s temperature setting too often. Fluctuating temperatures cause your system to work harder than it needs to and lose its efficiency.
Lower Your Thermostat Setting:
It’s a good idea to set your thermostat at the coolest setting in the winter, and the highest temperature in the summer, as long as you are still comfortable. This may seem like a small step; however, the energy savings can add up quickly.
According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy, simply lowering the temperature of your home by 10 to 15 degrees for an 8 hour period at any time throughout the heating season can add up to savings between 5% to 15% per year.
Ensure Your Home is Properly Insulated:
Poor insulation is another major factor that can cause a significant amount of heating or cooling loss from your system, especially in older homes.
Of course, it can be hard to tell if your home is insulated properly, therefore, if you’re unsure about it, it might be a good idea to consult with an insulation professional or energy auditor.
Adding insulation to your home may be a bit of a bigger job, but in the end, the energy savings will be long-lasting and substantial on your heating and cooling costs. Check out for a government backed free insulation grant whether you qualify or not.
Read more about checking how well your home is insulated here.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat:
Installing a programmable thermostat in your home is an excellent way to reduce your heating and cooling costs when you’re not in the home.
Think about it this way, when you’re not home, what’s the point of keeping your home at higher (or lower) temperatures?
The less the heating and cooling system has to work when no one is home, the more savings you’ll end up seeing on your energy bills.
Use Blinds and Curtains to Your Advantage:
It shouldn’t be a surprise that window coverings can play a huge role in your home’s heating and cooling costs.
In the winter months, you can use the sun’s free heating power to heat your home by keeping blinds and curtains open on all southern facing windows during the day. Then at night, make sure to close them to add an additional layer of insulation between your windows and the interior of your home.
During the summer months, we recommend keeping your window coverings closed to reduce the amount of sunlight heating the inside of your home throughout the day.
Change Your HVAC Filters Regularly:
Old, clogged-up air filters can put a significant strain on your HVAC system.
Therefore, we recommend changing your system’s filters every couple of months, or when recommended by your furnace manufacturer, to ensure that your system has a constant, smooth, and uninterrupted flow of air.
And not only do new filters improve your system’s efficiency, but they will also end up saving you money as well. According to some studies, new filters can make up between 5% to 15% of your energy consumption.
Keeping Your System Running Efficiently:
By following the above tips, you’ll ensure that your HVAC system is running at its optimal capacity. Most of these tips can easily be done by yourself, however, if you’re interested in learning more about your HVAC system, contact a local heating and cooling company in your area to speak with a qualified HVAC professional.
Read Also:
