The average U.S. household spends more than $2,000 a year on energy bills. Are you looking for ways to save on your utility bills? Do you feel your utility bills are too high compared to your neighbors? If you are worried about your energy bills, there are ways to save money. Keep reading to learn how you can save money and still have a comfortable home with these HVAC tips.
1. Use the Right Temperature Setting
Most HVAC systems have optimal temperature ranges to make sure your system is energy-efficient. Take a look at your owner manual or ask your service technician which temperature range is best.
You don’t want to fluctuate your temperatures too much. By turning your system way up on a really hot day and then turning it back down on cooler days, you are making your air conditioner work harder. The same is true with your furnace.
So what is the best temperature range? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. When you are not home, you can increase or reduce that setting by about 10-15 degrees, which can save up anywhere from 5-15 percent annually.
2. Use a Ceiling Fan to Circulate Air
Using a ceiling fan doesn’t cool a room; it just makes it more comfortable. It can make a room feel a few degrees cooler.
A ceiling fan helps disperse cooler air when you run your air conditioner. Just remember to turn the blade direction counterclockwise in the summer. Using a ceiling fan can help you raise your thermostat by as much as four degrees and still stay cool.
You also have to remember to turn off the ceiling fan if you are not in the room to limit wasting electricity.
3. Upgrade Your Thermostat
The less you make your HVAC system work to maintain levels in an empty home equals more savings on your energy bills. By upgrading your thermostat to either a programmable or smart thermostat, you can help reduce energy use when you are not at home.
Programmable thermostats follow your set schedule, and you can create your own pre-set times. Some thermostats let you program all seven days with different options, so you don’t have to worry about the temperature changes when you are home on weekends.
Smart thermostats are more progressive than normal programmable thermostats. You can control the temperature directly from your smartphone. Some of the more advanced smart thermostats will automatically adjust based on your lifestyle to keep your home energy use as efficient as possible.
4. Change Your Filters
One of the easiest HVAC energy-saving tips is to change your air filters regularly. Your air filters collect dust, pollen, dirt, and pet fur. When these filters get dirty or clogged, your system has to run harder.
You should change or check your air filters at least once a month in the summer and about two to three months during the winter. You should also consult your HVAC system owner’s manual.
If you have allergies, asthma, or multiple pets, you may want to consider changing your filters more often. If you don’t have pets and live in a smaller home, you may be able to change your filters every 90 days.
5. Keep Up Regular Maintenance
It’s important to have routine HVAC maintenance inspections. A professional will check your HVAC energy consumption and also look for any small problems before they become a bigger problem. You should schedule both furnace and air conditioning services before peak seasons.
Your professional HVAC company will make sure your HVAC system is running properly and check all the components. Follow this maintenance schedule to help improve your system’s performance—and it may extend its life.
6. Limit Cooking Inside and Using Your Clothes Dryer During the Summer
During the dead heat of summer, outdoor grills are a great way to cook—they keep additional heat out of your home! It’s best to limit using your stove and oven when it’s extremely hot. If you must use one of these hot appliances, do so when it’s cooler outside like in the late evening or early morning.
The same is true for your dryer. It can turn your laundry room into a sauna, making it harder to cool the rest of your home.
7. Upgrade Your HVAC System
If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old and you are having issues, it may be time to replace your system. An outdated system uses more energy as it deteriorates, which makes it work less efficiently. If you upgrade to an ENERGY STAR-rated unit, you may save up to 20 percent on your cooling and heating bills.
Talk to your HVAC professional about the best systems and recommendations for your home. They can explain the HVAC energy ratings and let you know if and when it is time to replace your current system.
Looking for More HVAC Tips?
Following these HVAC tips can help you reduce your energy consumption—and help you save money. Do you want to learn more about getting an energy-efficient furnace or air conditioner? Need service to make sure your system is running properly?
P&M HVAC is here to help! We can repair, replace, and perform other maintenance services to help your home be more energy-efficient.
Contact us today to learn more about our services in the Houston, Bellaire, Pearland, West University, and Friendswood TX areas. We look forward to hearing from you. We can help you get your system running smoothly or help you find the right system for your home.