Have you grown fed up with how expensive your utility bills seem to be getting? It’s not necessarily that you’re using more energy, but probably has a lot more to do with the fact that utility prices continue to surge upward. This means that finding ways to cut back on energy consumption is more important than ever if you want to save money. To help you with this mission, our Avon heating and cooling experts at Arco Comfort Air have compiled a list of seven handy tips that will help you slash your utility bills and minimize your carbon footprint.
1. Install Low Flow Shower Heads and Faucets
Low-flow shower heads and faucets use less energy by using less heated water. When you use less water from your water heater, you water heater won’t have to consume as much energy to bring the tank back up to temperature as it refills. These fixtures have become significantly less expensive in recent years, and many of them are easy enough for just about anyone to install. They also help you save water too—anywhere from 25 to 60% on your annual water bill, in fact.
2. Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances for your Home
When looking for new appliances, consider purchasing models which are Energy-Star rated. Completely replacing your appliances may seem like a costly investment at first, but the truth is they will ultimately pay for themselves after just a few years through reduced water and energy usage. Installing energy efficient appliances also allows you to take advantage of federal and state tax deductions, local utility discounts, and manufacturers’ rebates.
3. Install Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats or smart thermostats are an easy way to decrease energy usage. These modern thermostats are loaded with features that makes your HVAC system “smarter,” such as the ability to independently switch on and off according to your presets, give you full control from anywhere in the world, and even make changes based on weather predictions and outdoor conditions. Installing programmable thermostats will also qualify you for tax credits.
4. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate
Making sure your home is well-insulated can save money in many ways. First, make sure that your home’s structure is professionally insulated with quality material, including in your walls and in the area between your ceiling and your attic. This helps keep warm air in and cold air out in the winter and vice versa in the summer. If you own a traditional water heater, placing an insulating blanket around it and the surrounding pipes is a good way to save energy and reduce the risk of frozen pipes during frigid weather. Finally, insulating and sealing any existing cracks or openings around windows and doorways with weather-stripping is another simple, effective fix to protect from drafts, which can save you a bundle on your heating and cooling costs.
5. Replace Filters in Central Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
You may not think about the air filter in your air conditioner or heater, but regularly replacing it is just another inexpensive and easy way to keep your home running efficiently. When filters become clogged with dirt and dust, it restricts air flow which causes your system to work harder in order to keep up with your heating and cooling demands. In turn, this extra work costs you more in energy and even contributes to poor system performance and extra repairs. It’s best to check your filter every month and replace it as necessary, which could be as little as twice a year but as often as every few weeks, depending on a number of different factors.
6. Install Ceiling Fans
Adding ceiling fans will not only provide a cool, comfortable current of air to any room in your house during the summer months, it can also be used as a heating supplement during the winter. When warm air rises to your ceiling, flick the switch on your fan motor to reverse its direction and bring the warm air stuck on your ceiling downward, where you want it the most. Make sure you dust your fan blades before you swap their direction
7. Make Maintenance Tune-ups a Must
Regular maintenance from a Avon HVAC professional is a must if you want your heating and cooling systems to run efficiently and last longer. Scheduling maintenance tune-ups of your air conditioning and heating systems on a regular basis can ensures that your system operates efficiently, and even reduces the risk of needing repairs in the immediate future.
Now that you have the facts, don’t hesitate, call Arco Comfort Air at (216) 230-5117 today.