The weather is getting pretty chilly. How’s your furnace or HVAC system doing? One of the most common issues facing American homeowners and renters alike is saving money on monthly energy bills, that of which can become incredibly high during the winter season. When you’ve become frustrated with a furnace that doesn’t heat up like it used to or air conditioning that makes things more stressful instead of less, it may be time to contact an air conditioning professional. Before you do that, though, take a glance at the list below to learn some tips and tricks on saving money on your bill.
Air Conditioning And HVAC
One of the most common ways of regulating temperature in the home is through an HVAC system. Air conditioners use around 5% of all the electricity produced in the country, reaching an annual cost of more than $11 billion to American homeowners. Green methods are becoming more and more popular nowadays, with manufacturing companies making the switch from standard refrigerants to more modern solutions — this removes chlorine from the air and makes air conditioning units more ozone friendly.
Furnace And Boilers
Another popular method of heating the home is using a furnace or boiler. Heating and cooling both account for nearly half of the energy use in the typical American house, making it the largest energy expense for the majority of homes. If your water isn’t heating up like it used to, it’s possible your boiler may need to be replaced soon. The average boiler can last a solid eight to nine years, though it doesn’t hurt to check your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Thermostats And Saving Energy
Did you know the average American home spends nearly 3% of their income on energy bills? Studies have shown that adds up to $2,000 per year, making it a major concern for many. One of the best ways of conserving energy is to install a thermostat — a programmable thermostat will keep your house as warm as necessary during the hours of the day you’re out, turning itself lower once a certain temperature is reached. This alone can reduce your heating bill by at least 10%, if not more over the course of the year.
Additional Losses And Prevention
There are a multitude of different ways you can lose energy in your home. Nearly 25% of your home’s heat is lost through small cracks and holes in your windows, doors and floorboards. This can be prevented with superior window and door installations — Energy Star is one such resource you can check out, offering solutions that have been proven to save American homes consistent money month after month.
Staying Warm And Saving Money
Whether it’s repairing your furnace or installing more energy-efficient windows, there are plenty of ways to save money this winter. The majority of heating and cooling companies offer low-priced, preventative maintenance contracts that cost an average of $70 to $100, that of which can clean and service your HVAC units and repair your air filters. Remember that any build-up of dust or mold isn’t natural and could be a sign your filters need to be cleaned out. Stay warm this winter and keep your wallet happy at the same time — get your furnace, HVAC system or boiler back in working order.