Extreme weather is taking its toll on the regular expenses of homeowners. To maintain an ideal and comfortable indoor climate all year round, households rely on the efficacy of their cooling and heating systems; however, frequent use of these systems definitely has a huge impact on energy costs.
If you need to save money on your household’s regular expenses, implementing tactics that can support your home’s HVAC system will contribute significantly to your goal of lowering your energy bill; provided below are some proven effective ways you can save on your home’s heating and cooling systems.
- Regularly have your air conditioning units cleaned because this will prevent them from consuming more energy than they should. The accumulation of dirt within the system does not only overwork the AC (which may cause it to break down), but it can also present health risks.
- According to Keith Voight of the Edison Energy Institute, to reduce the energy consumption of heating and cooling systems, set thermostats correctly. “In the winter, set thermostats at 68 degrees – or colder when no one’s home. In the summer, keep your air conditioner at 78 degrees.”
- To prevent heat or cool air loss/gain inside your home, consider installing double or triple-glazed windows throughout the house. According to energy experts, you can save over 30 percent on energy costs with this effort. Look for windows with EPA’s Energy Star label to ensure the benefits of this home upgrade.
- Seal cracks and holes around windows and doors because “conditioned” air escapes through these. At the same time, these air leaks allow outdoor air inside, which can make it so much harder for HVAC systems to create the ideal temperature inside the house.
- Also, visit your attic and look for dirty insulation. The dirty spots will reveal where air is traveling through the insulation and out of your house. Likewise, pay a visit to your basement and search for gaps between the concrete foundation and the wood frame of the house. If you find leaks, have them taken care of right away.
- Change your lights. LEDs are the best choice actually, for not only do they last a long time, but also they do not emit heat which can certainly make cooling easier for air conditioners during the summer.
- Install ceiling fans to improve air circulation. Fans do not consume much energy and can give air conditioners a rest during cooler months.
