Anyone paying household bills on a regular basis has, at some point, been shocked when opening a power bill — and not in a good way.
If that electric bill were itemized, your HVAC unit would be near the top of the line items. But unless you turn it off and deal with February’s temperatures, you’re going to have to pay something for the privilege of having it be 70 degrees in your living room.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to lower the cost of keeping your house warm in the winter or cool in the summer.
Regular Maintenance is Key
Look, you wouldn’t drive your car all year without changing the oil. So, why would you run your HVAC unit, day and night, 365 days a year without having someone service it? Maintenance, performed twice a year by a licensed professional, can extend the life of your system, and help it to operate more efficiently.
Proper maintenance includes things like:
- Inspecting outdoor unit coolant levels and pressures
- Checking the thermostat
- Inspecting the wiring, contacts and relays
- Checking the drain line
It should be a comprehensive inspection of the HVAC system, and it’s worth checking into.
Change Your Air Filters
Put a reminder in your phone to change your air filter each month. And don’t spring for the most expensive one, either. If you’re doing this monthly, the cheapest one will do. This helps improve indoor air quality by removing more dust and allergens and, you guessed it, increases energy efficiency. How? A cleaner filter keeps your unit from working harder to push air through a clogged one.
Seal Air Leaks
Take a close look at your doors and windows. Any cracks or gaps are allowing air to escape from your home, which means the HVAC unit has to work harder than it should to reach the temperature you set on the thermostat. A caulk gun can fix most of these issues, though problems with your ductwork (which would turn up in a maintenance check) would require more professional assistance.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
The ability to adjust your thermostat remotely is not only convenient (imagine warming up the house a bit with the touch of an app on your phone before getting out of bed), but can be a boon to your energy bill. Having the house set at a lower temperature in the winter, or higher in the summer, when no one’s home can help keep your electric bill down. Modern thermostats can be programmed to operate on a set schedule, helping you heat and cool your home when there are actually people in it.
CONSIDER a More Efficient HVAC System
Obviously, as technology evolves, products improve in both design and function. HVAC units are no exception. Today’s models are more powerful and energy efficient than ever, and if your unit is more than 10 years old, replacing it will almost certainly reduce your monthly energy bill.
Want to talk with one of our experts? Schedule a consultation today!
