The average homeowner pays over $13,000 dollars yearly for electricity. This can mean at least five to ten percent of the homeowner’s income goes to electricity bills. The good news? There are countless ways to significantly reduce HVAC costs and your energy bills without sacrificing your comfort. For instance, you can dramatically reduce your energy bills by ensuring you schedule regular AC maintenance.
Although the HVAC system is deemed the primary energy guzzler at home, there are numerous ways you can lessen your HVAC energy costs and lower your energy bill. Read on for tips!
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
If you want to save energy, investing in a smart thermostat is one of the first things you can consider. Because of its ability to consume less energy when no one is around, using a smart thermostat is deemed ideal. As soon as you key in the desired temperature, make the required adjustments, and set a schedule, the temperature can be kept low to save energy.
Smart thermostats that bear the ENERGY STAR label can help homeowners save as much as eight percent on their cooling and heating bills. There is also an opportunity to save more depending on several key factors such as the HVAC equipment used, thermostat placement, and the climate, among many others.
Lower the Temperature of the Water Heater
The water heater is the appliance responsible for distributing hot water to showers and sinks, dishwashers, and laundry machines. A portion of the electricity expense can be attributed to the heater storing warm water in a tank. While there are tankless water heaters nowadays, most homes have one.
By lowering your temperature a few degrees, you can effectively reduce your electric bill. Ideally, the temperature of water heaters should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you go on vacation or spend an extended period away from home, turning off the water heater would be a great way to save money.
Find Leaks in Your Home and Plug Them
Another way you can lessen your HVAC cost would be to look for holes, cracks, and gaps in certain parts of your home. Holes, gaps, and cracks can cause heated and cooled air to escape.
Aside from wasting energy, air leaks can also cause moisture and other problems that can affect indoor air quality. To cut your heating and cooling costs dramatically, air seal your home using caulk or weatherstripping.
Regularly Replace Your Air Filters
One of the aspects that can help guarantee your HVAC system runs seamlessly is the air filter. Air filters work by preventing dust particles, pet dander, and allergens from circulating in and polluting your home.
It is crucial to keep in mind that when dust and debris accumulate over time, it can consume more energy. With this in mind, it is ideal to clean and replace the air filter at least every two months. This can also help ensure optimal airflow is achieved and it works efficiently.
Invest in a New HVAC System
Often, the reduced efficiency of most HVAC systems can be traced to the system itself. This is especially true for old HVAC models. HVAC systems typically last for as long as 15 years. However, some systems can last up to 25 years.
As the HVAC system gets older, regular wear and tear can affect its efficiency significantly. Undoubtedly, old HVAC units are less efficient compared to their modern counterparts. Not only that, but older models also consume more energy.
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of modern HVAC systems is higher than the older models. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. While replacing the HVAC system does not seem like a practical option initially, the long-term savings it brings make it a worthy investment.
Final Thoughts
There are countless ways to lower energy bills and reduce HVAC energy costs. If you are looking for practical and helpful ideas, the tips laid out above can help get your energy-saving efforts off to a great start.
About the Author: Sara Olsen is the Content Marketing Manager of Emergency Air, Arizona’s premier HVAC repair and service company with NATE-certified technicians and the best HVAC service in the quickest time. When not writing articles, she makes the most of her time with her family and gives back to the community.
