Here are some tips on ways you can start saving money this weekend and beyond by changing a few habits and items in your home…
- Disconnect unused appliances
- Replace old appliances with ENERGY STAR® rated ones
- Reducing your energy bill is not difficult if you invest in appliances that are specifically designed to use electricity efficiently.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat
- Your HVAC system uses up most of the electricity that is powering your home. Did you know that you can reduce your bill by about 2% for each degree you lower the temperature on the thermostat?
- Keep the temperature low
- Even during the summer, temperatures drop at night, so you don’t have to turn on the A/C full blast to get a good night’s sleep. Lower it to the point that you only need a light blanket to keep the chill off. Use the aforementioned smart thermostat to set the temperature range for the night, so you don’t have to do it manually every time. During the day, maintain a comfortable temperature. Some A/C systems come with energy-saving modes to maintain a consistent, tolerable temperature.
- Invest in ceiling fans
- Invest in ceiling fans so you can turn off your HVAC after a few hours. The fans will circulate the cool air and keep you comfortable during the hot season. These will also take some of the burden off your HVAC system.
- Choose lighting options wisely
- If you have halogen or incandescent bulbs, switch with energy-efficient LED bulbs instead.
- Check your windows
- You can replace or upgrade your windows, or for an easier quick-fix, look for any signs of leaks and cover them with weather stripping to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering your home.
- Get shades for your windows
- According to the US Department of Energy, more than 70% of sunlight enters our homes in the form of heat. That means the rooms in your house will get warmer no matter how hard your HVAC system works. Prevent that from happening by placing a shade over all of the windows. It will block most of the sunlight and prevent your house from heating up.
- Change your air filter
- Air filters do more than just improve internal air quality. Clean ones can also make your fans more efficient by allowing more airflow. If you continue to use dirty filters way past their expiration date, your energy bill will suffer. Order air filters here!
- Maintain a Routine Maintenance Schedule
- A poorly maintained HVAC system is inefficient and consumes more energy to heat your home moderately. That is why besides ensuring your HVAC system is inspected after every season, make sure you also follow a routine maintenance schedule. Call our Total Mechanical Systems‘ comfort care team to schedule your A/C system maintenance today before the heat hits!
- Plant trees outside your home
- By planting trees outside your house, you can reduce your energy bill significantly. Trees block sunlight, keeping your home cool. Also, consider planting a leafy tree over your air conditioner to prevent it from heating up, thus increasing efficiency. Just make sure that leaves and branches do not touch the unit. The foliage will block airflow and can damage your AC irreparably.
- Install an energy-efficient HVAC system
- This one is a little more long term, but with time, HVAC systems experience significant wear and tear, and their efficiency decreases as a result. At a certain point, frequent breakdowns and high energy bills should prompt you to invest in a brand new system. Consult with one of Total Mechanical Systems’ experienced comfort consultants regarding your home’s cooling and heating needs to ensure you select the right fit. Check out our current offers!
The aforementioned tips can go a long way in helping reduce energy bills and keeping your family comfortable. If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your maintenance, think you may have an issue going on with your HVAC system, or are thinking it may be time to invest in a new system, we’re here for you!
Start Saving Money This Weekend and Beyond with Total Mechanical Systems!
Source: https://www.attainablehome.com/21-ways-to-save-money-on-hvac/