5 HVAC Tips to Help Save on Your Utility Bills

From cold winter nights to sweltering summers, your commercial heating and cooling system endures harsh conditions all year round. This contributes to higher energy usage, which means a bigger dent in your wallet and a larger impact on the environment. Thankfully, with some simple changes, you can save on utility bills without sacrificing your own comfort. Here are some HVAC service tips to help you save.

1. Seal up drafts and ducts.

Holes and cracks in your home can contribute to drafts, leading to wasted energy during colder and hotter months. In the winter, you could be letting cold air in, while hotter months allow precious cool indoor air out. This can make things less than comfortable for you and force your HVAC system to work twice as hard to maintain optimal temperatures.Seal up any air leaks, paying particular attention to areas around windows and doors. Door and window sealing kits are a cheap and effective way to save a little extra on monthly energy bills.Along with drafts, make sure your ducts are properly sealed. These maintenance tips can improve overall efficiency, save energy, and keep your HVAC working optimally.

2. Use a programmable thermostat.

Sometimes, energy waste just comes down to human error, like forgetting to turn off the thermostat when you’re not home. A programmable thermostat takes the conscious effort out of the process, allowing you to schedule the heating or cooling to turn off when you’re out and about. A more modern smart thermostat can allow you to control your HVAC system from your phone, wherever you are. With proper usage, a programmable thermostat can help you save an average of $180 in annual energy costs.Turning down the thermostat can also go a long way to energy savings on HVAC usage. This doesn’t mean you have to suffer when the temperature is too cold or too hot, but turning the thermostat down just 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours during colder months can save up to 15 percent on your energy bills every year.

3. Insulate.

Insulation keeps hot air out during the summer and keeps you warm in the winter. Make sure your home has plenty of insulation, especially if you live in an older home. Inadequate insulation could contribute to lost air and force your HVAC to work harder than usual. Talk to a professional or energy auditor to determine your home’s insulation needs.

4. Change your air filters regularly.

Ideally, you should change your air filters once a month, particularly during periods of heavy usage. However, changing the filter at least once per season (about every three months) can help you save. Dirty filters gather dust, dirt, and debris, which block air flow, force your HVAC system to work harder, and ultimately waste energy. Dirty filters also cause excess dust and dirt to buildup in your HVAC unit, which can potentially result in malfunctions and costly repairs. Air filters are also essential to your health, especially if you suffer from any allergies. You deserve to breathe clean air.

5. Use window drapes and blinds to your advantage.

Blinds, drapes, and curtains offer a smart and simple means of maintaining your comfort while taking a load off your HVAC system. During the colder months, keep your curtains and blinds open during the day to let in the sun’s natural warmth. Close them at night to keep that warmth in while keeping the cold out. Along with the above HVAC energy saving tips, make sure you get your HVAC system serviced at least once per year. Just like your car, an HVAC system requires regular maintenance to ensure proper operation. Annual or semi-annual maintenance ensures that your heating and cooling system is working optimally and efficiently for your comfort and savings. Routine maintenance also keeps you proactive. HVAC experts can identify and address potential problems before they become more costly issues. It doesn’t take much to save money on utility bills, but if you need extra guidance, schedule a consultation with a contractor or expert regarding HVAC services and repairs. You can even do additional research on what to expect during your HVAC consultation to fully understand the process. Sources:

• https://www.angieslist.com/articles/8-ways-reduce-hvac-energy-costs.htm
• https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/heating_cooling

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