Home cooling and heating costs are not only a drain on your wallet, but they can also be dangerous to your health.
Generally, home cooling and heating account for more than 50% of total household energy use and are responsible for nearly one-third of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.
To help you save money on both your home heating and cooling bills, adhere to these simple tips below.
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Install Your Air Conditioner Properly
Installing an air conditioning system correctly is key to keeping your home cool during summer and saving on energy bills year-round.
An improperly installed central AC unit will waste money by constantly running and not cooling your home properly.
It will also cause unnecessary wear and tear on your unit over time.
You should always consult with professionals such as Jarboe’s heating and cooling when installing any air conditioning system.
Contractors can ensure that the system is installed correctly to operate efficiently for years to come.
Replace Your Filters
The air you breathe in your home is cleaner than outside, but it still contains a lot of dust and pollen.
Filters designed to fit your furnace or air conditioner can help reduce the amount of dirt that comes into your home.
They also contain carbon, which helps remove odors from the air. When you replace your filters every six months, they’ll keep working longer and save money on heating and cooling costs.
If you have allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems, you may need to change them more often.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat enables you to change temperature settings depending on what time of day it is or what time of year it is.
You can lower the temperature at night when there’s no one around or during those hot summer months when everyone wants their air conditioning cranked up high.
A programmable thermostat also helps protect your investment by reducing energy waste during off-peak hours when electricity demand is low and boosting efficiency during peak times when electricity demand is greatest.
Insulate Your Home’s Attic and Walls
Insulating your home’s attic and walls can save you about 15% on cooling and heating, and 11% on overall energy costs, according to the EPA.
A good rule is to insulate every inch of wall area that’s not covered by furniture or carpeting, anywhere from 10% for the ceiling to 50% for the walls.
Air can’t circulate through the insulation as well as through drywall or wood framing material.
In addition, insulating attics help keep winter heat in during cold spells, which can be very expensive for homeowners if they’re not properly insulated against extreme temperatures.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
It would be best to ensure that your house is more sustainable and well-sealed against air leaks.
You can install weather stripping around windows and doors to keep out drafts and cold air from entering your home when it’s cold outside.
In addition, if you purchase a programmable thermostat, it will automatically adjust your home heating and cooling settings based on weather conditions so that you don’t have to worry about adjusting them manually every day when you get home.
You can add a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) unit or heat pump system to your home and switch from electric baseboard heaters to gas or oil-fired furnaces and boilers.
Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Light bulbs can make a big difference in the energy used by your home during the day or night hours.
You can also install motion sensor lights, so they turn off when no one is there to see them as it gets dark outside.
It will ensure that the lights aren’t wasting energy during those times of day when people aren’t around to use them.
Maintain Your HVAC System
A well-maintained heating and air conditioning system will be more efficient, saving you money on your energy bill.
Regular HVAC maintenance can prevent problems before they occur, which means less downtime for the system and lower repair costs.
Some of the maintenance tasks to perform are to:
- Check for leaks in your ducts, registers, and outdoor condenser units using a moisture meter or moisture detector
- Inspect all parts for wear or damage. Replace any worn parts immediately
- Checking air filters regularly for cleanliness and replacing as needed
- Clean heating registers thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner or brush attachment on an electric drill
Install Pellet or Wood Stoves
If you want to be green while reducing your carbon footprint, consider installing a wood stove instead of running your central air conditioning all year round.
Many types of stoves are available with varying prices and efficiency levels. Some burn pellets or chips while others burn logs.
Make sure you’re comfortable with whatever type of stove you choose before making a purchase decision.
A few improvements and changes will go a long way in lowering your heating and cooling costs.
Ensure you carry out regular home inspections and maintenance with a professional to keep all systems and appliances running efficiently.
