You should never have to worry about keeping warm in the cold months or staying cool in the summertime while also trying to keep down your energy expenses. If you know how to manage your HVAC system, you won't have to worry about the weather and your energy bill.
While you may think smart energy management is reserved only for professionals, there are actually various things that you can do to help reduce consumption in your home. Behavioral changes and home improvements are just some examples. An efficient heating system is also important, so scheduling an appointment with your HVAC specialist at least once a year or every six months, if possible.
However, you should also do your part by finding simple ways to cut costs by following practical energy-saving tips.
What to Do to Reduce HVAC Energy Costs and Energy Bills
1. Take advantage of a free energy audit.
Some utility companies make free energy audits a part of their service package. Take advantage of this offer as this is an excellent opportunity to find out which areas of your house use up a lot of energy. It will also give you an idea of what you need to do to improve your HVAC’s efficiency.
If your utility company does not give out free energy audits, you can do it on your own. You’ll find a lot of practical how-to tips online. You can also ask your HVAC specialist to help you out.
2. Use a programmable thermostat to reduce cooling and heating automatically.
When you turn down the thermostat while you are asleep, in the office, or away from home, you save on costs because you do not waste energy. You don’t have to set it every day if you use a programmable model; all you’ll have to do is set it to automatically turn down to several degrees from its normal setting at certain times of the day.
Another advantage of using programmable thermostats is their capability to determine when the air filters need cleaning or replacement and if your HVAC system has some issues.
3. Seal or weatherize your home. Insulate the attic.
Regularly check your windows, vents, doors, and walls for air leaks. Make sure that all openings and cracks in your home, particularly between vents and walls or windows and walls, are sealed right away. Caulking is ideal for air leaks found between two unmoving objects, while weathering is the best technique for leaks or cracks involving two movie objects (i.e., doors and windows).
Also, it is vital to regularly check your attic (if you have one) as air can leak out from there, too, especially if it has small openings. As such, you have to ensure that your attic is properly insulated. If air keeps leaking from the attic, expect an increase in your energy bill.
4. Insulate other parts of your home as well.
Proper insulation helps keep the heat in during the winter season and keep it out in the hot summer months. So, you should insulate not just your attic but other parts of your house as well.
The areas that you should pay attention to are your crawlspace, floors, walls, and basement. Specific insulation recommendations are dependent on the kind of home you have and your location. Check out the Department of Energy website or find an HVAC specialist who can help you out.
5. Use energy-efficient light bulbs.
If you are using the traditional incandescent light bulbs, you shouldn’t be surprised that your utility bill is high. This type of light bulb eats up more electricity than LEDs (light-emitting diode bulbs), halogen incandescent bulbs, and compact fluorescent lights or CFLs. These energy-efficient bulbs have a longer service life and consume significantly lesser electricity than the traditional ones.
6. Use energy-efficient appliances.
Of your total household energy consumption, around 13% comes from appliances. Switching to energy-efficient appliances will help bring down energy use. So, when you purchase appliances, choose the ones that have annual operating costs that are lower than the other models. Additionally, look for the Energy Star label, as this is a federal seal that guarantees the appliance is energy efficient.
7. Schedule annual maintenance and upgrade your HVAC when needed.
Scheduling an annual HVAC cleaning and maintenance is essential if you want to keep your system in top condition and your utility rates at reasonable levels. Also, if you have been using your HVAC for more than 10 years, it’s time to get an upgrade. Switch to a unit that has an Energy Star logo as it ensures energy efficiency.
8. Change your energy consumption practices.
Your behavior has a huge impact on your utility bills. For example, even if you are not in your bedroom, you leave the lights on. Simple adjustments in your practices or behaviors can help significantly reduce energy consumption. Common examples include washing dirty dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher and line-drying your clothes instead of using the dryer.
Reducing your HVAC energy costs and lowering your energy bill is essential if you want to save money, keep your family safe, protect the environment, and increase your home’s value.
