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HVAC systems are generally more than 40% of the electrical use in a home, so saving money on heating and cooling can help homeowners save a significant amount of money. And, there are some easy things that can be done to save more money. Homeowners who want to have the lowest possible energy bills should do the following.
Regular Maintenance Is Key
Regular maintenance helps to spot and repair worn or broken parts before the HVAC system quits working. Homeowners will want to call for HVAC service at least yearly to make sure the system is running properly and prevent issues. Along with preventing a breakdown, proper maintenance reduces the amount of work the HVAC system does to keep the home comfortable, saving homeowners significant amounts of money.
Keep Air Filters Clean
Clean air filters allow air to move through the system easily, reducing the workload of the HVAC system. Clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For most homeowners, this means replacing the filter at least once per month. In homes with pets or where someone suffers from allergies, it may be beneficial to replace or clean the filters a little more frequently.
Change The Temperature Setting
Setting the HVAC temperature up or down a little bit can make a difference in how much energy is used by the home without making the home uncomfortable. The right temperature can vary by the time of day, so it is a good idea to change the temperature as needed to reduce the amount of energy used as much as possible.
Use Programmable Controls
Programmable controls make it easy to change the temperature automatically throughout the day. During the summer, the temperature can be raised a couple of degrees when no one is home to save money and lowered a couple of degrees before everyone gets home to save more money. Take this a step further by installing a smart thermostat that can be adjusted via an app.
Improve The Insulation
Upgrading the insulation in the home can help to reduce the amount of use the HVAC sees. Poor insulation allows the flow of heat into or out of the home, depending on the time of year. Improving the insulation slows this, reducing the amount the HVAC system has to run to keep the home comfortable. The less the HVAC system runs, the more savings homeowners will see.
Use Fans Throughout the Home
Fans help to push air throughout the home, making it seem cooler than it is. They also use a lot less energy compared to an HVAC system. Using fans can help keep the home more comfortable, without the HVAC temperature being lowered further during the summer months.
Use Curtains Or Blinds
Curtains and blinds are able to block sunlight from entering the home, keeping the home a little bit cooler than it would be otherwise. By using curtains and fans, it’s possible to keep the home comfortable while using the HVAC system less, saving homeowners money.
If you’re worried about the high energy use of your HVAC system, it doesn’t mean getting a new one. While it is better to replace extremely old units if it’s still in good shape and working properly, money can be saved by doing some or all of the tips mentioned here. Schedule your next maintenance service now and work on the other tasks to see how much you can save.
