Lower bills and higher efficiency are the ultimate win-wins in home maintenance. Follow along below as we bring you 5 ways you can save on your HVAC energy costs today, Cut Your Energy Costs Day.
Clean Your Air Filters
One of the easiest and most important things you can do to cut your energy costs is cleaning or replacing your HVAC system’s air filters. Clean filters can save your energy usage by 15% since they keep your air cleaner and running smoothly throughout your home. It’s a good rule of thumb to replace or clean your filters every 3 months.
Upgrade to a New HVAC System
If your heating or cooling system isn’t running as well as it used to it may need to be replaced, especially if it’s an older unit. On average home furnaces last about 15 years and air conditioners last about 10-15 years. To improve your comfort and cut your energy costs, upgrade to a new system. Replacing your old unit with a new high-efficiency system can save you up to 20-40% on your annual energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You can also rest easy knowing your home has proper heating, cooling, and ventilation.
We’re happy to help you if you’re ready for a new system.
Smart Thermostats = Big Savings
It’s time to upgrade to a smart thermostat. These helpful devices maintain an ideal home temperature all season, every season. By letting you set the temperature from anywhere, even if you’re not home, you can more effectively run your system when you need it the most. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, smart thermostats can save you up to 10% a year on your energy bills.
(Image Source: Ecobee)
Adjust Your Home’s Temperature
Adjusting your home’s temperature based on your needs is a great way to cut your energy costs. In the winter, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a temperature of 68°F for when you’re awake and then setting a cooler temperature at night and when your house is empty. Stay above 45°F though or you risk having frozen or ruptured pipes. For the summer months, setting the temperature higher is best for when you’re out of the house or on vacation. Your comfort level may vary when you’re at home, but generally, you shouldn’t set the temperature much lower than 72°F. In fact, each degree over 72°F can save you up to 3% of your total energy costs.
Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
Seasonal maintenance on your HVAC systems maximizes their performance and minimizes energy usage resulting in savings on your monthly bills. Routine maintenance also increases your systems’ lifespans and keeps your home’s temperature running efficiently. The best time to get your furnace tuned up is before the temperatures really start to drop, around September/October. For your A/C unit, get it cleaned and serviced before the heat hits, around April/May.
