9 Simple Tips to Save Money on Your Heating and Cooling Bills
You might not realize it, but there might be some small issues in your home that result in a higher-than-needed electric bill. One of the biggest expenses on your monthly electric bill is thanks to your HVAC system running.
If you’re like us, you can’t just turn off your AC and brave through these hot Carolina summers. The good news is that you don’t have to.
We put together a list of 9 simple tips that will show you how to save money on heating and cooling. You won’t have to sacrifice your comfort and you should wind up with a lower bill.
How To Use An Air Conditioner Economically
Before telling you some of the tips, it’s worth understanding the best way to use your AC. After all, using your air conditioner economically can give you an immediately lower electric bill.
- Use a programmable thermostat. This allows you to minimize the waste of your HVAC system. A good idea is to program it so that it runs less when everyone’s asleep or the home is empty while you’re at work.
- Keep your HVAC registers unblocked. Large furniture or decorations that block the registers around your home will make your unit work harder. This usually results in more energy wasted.
- Give it time to work. Some homeowners might get frustrated that their AC hasn’t cooled down the home after a couple of minutes. This might tempt you to turn the thermometer down another few degrees. Before doing that, give your HVAC system some time to work and cool you down. If you always feel uncomfortable no matter how low you set it, you might be due for an AC repair.
9 Simple Tips to Save Money on Your Heating and Cooling Bills
Let’s introduce you to our list of money-saving options to keep your electric bill down. Try any or all of these tips for the best results.
#1: Use Your Ceiling Fans
If your rooms have ceiling fans, they should look like big bags of saved money. Running your ceiling fan does a great job of circulating air. Your fan probably has a little switch on it. Flipping this will change the direction that it spins. If your fan is spinning counterclockwise, it will cool your room. It will essentially suck the hot air up towards the ceiling and keep it away from you.
#2: Close Your Windows/Blinds/Curtains
One way to keep your home cool during the Summer months is to keep the hot air out. A lot of heat might be coming through your windows.
Closing your blinds will act as a barrier to trap heat and prevent it from making its way further into your home. Opting for light-colored curtains will help keep your home cooler since they will reflect a lot of the heat away from your room. Alternatively, you can also use your windows and curtains to warm up.
#3: Let the Sun In for Warmth
Your sun-facing windows can be your best friend during especially cold Carolina days. Peel the curtains open during the day and let the sun warm up your house. At night, close your curtains so the heat is trapped and can’t escape your house.
If you can adjust your landscaping outside of your windows, you should consider it. If there are bushes or trees that obstruct the sun’s path to your windows, trim them back or remove them altogether.
#4: Minimize Use of Vent Fans
Vent fans are often used in the kitchen. If you’re not the best chef in the world, they’re used for getting that “burning food” smell out of your house. The problem is that these vents also get rid of the warm air in your house.
During the winter, you should be mindful of how often you run your vents. In cases where your kitchen creation doesn’t smell so great, use the vent briefly and only for as long as necessary.
#5: Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Filters are placed in your HVAC system to help keep debris and dust out of your home. The problem is that these filters clog.
A clogged filter makes your heat pump work even harder, lowers its efficiency, and raises the amount of electricity wasted. You should aim to change these filters at least quarterly, but we recommend monthly to keep your electric bill down.
#6: Don’t Let Air Escape Through the Fireplace
Using a fireplace is a great way to heat up, but it’s also a culprit that allows hot air to get out. Between uses, you should always close your damper. If you didn’t know, the damper is the little vent that opens and closes to the exterior of your home in your chimney’s flue. It’s a one-way ticket for hot air to escape and leave you shivering between fires.
#7: Maintain Your HVAC Properly
Keeping your HVAC running smoothly will help minimize how much energy is wasted as it runs. One of the best ways to do this is through professional HVAC maintenance. We always suggest having a pro inspect your HVAC system every six months. Signing up for a maintenance program is a low-cost way to take care of your system in the long run.
#8: Find and Seal Any Leak
If you want to talk about inefficiencies, let’s discuss leaks. Little air leaks around your home are inviting your temperate air to make a run for it and leave you feeling uncomfortable. Common places for leaks are around your windows and doors. For a temporary and simpler solution, try applying some weatherstripping.
These are plastic or rubber strips that seal the gaps between surfaces. For a more robust solution, Energy.gov suggests grabbing a caulk gun. Caulk fills up any cracks and keeps your comfortable air inside.
#9: Get an Energy Audit
Struggling to find the temperature thieves in your home? Schedule an energy audit. Your utility company might offer one for free or charge you a small fee. Someone will come out and take a look at your home. They’ll use a temperature gun to see where the hot spots in your home are. They’ll make suggestions accordingly to help you save money on your heating and cooling bills.
Alternative: Upgrade Your HVAC System
A not-so-simple solution is to have a pro come out and evaluate your home for an upgraded HVAC system. Putting in a unit with a better Energy Star rating means you use less electricity to get the same level of comfort.
Save Money with the Best HVAC Company in the Area
These tips should help you save money on your heating and cooling bills. No one likes wasting money, and we’re here to make sure your pockets stay full of your hard-earned cash.
If you want to save more money on your HVAC system, consider letting Carolina Comfort help you with your system upkeep, AC or heating repair, maintenance, and new installation. Contact us today to see how we can save you more money.
5636 Bush River Rd.
Columbia, SC 29212
SC License – #M104545
NC License – #32356
Phone: (803) 794-5526
