We are excited for cooler weather to arrive in Huntsville, Alabama! As you prepare your home to be a cozy getaway, consider these tips. While these tips will increase your comfort, they can also help reduce the heating bills that can skyrocket once winter arrives.
Listed below are some great tips we give our customers to help save money each cool season.
Check your vents:
The vents for your HVAC system are located all-around your home. Sometimes they are on ceilings, low walls, and maybe even the floor- make sure they are dusted, cleaned, and far away from debris. Things like rugs and couches won’t only block airflow but can also lead to a house fire. Keeping vents open will circulate more air through your home. Closing unused vents will throw off the balanced airflow in your home.
Have a regular service performed on your system:
A regular service will ensure your system runs efficiently, keeping your energy bills generally consistent. Your HVAC system should run for 10+ years, so making sure that it isn’t being overworked can save you thousands of dollars over its lifespan. This will also help your system last longer, and avoid costly repairs and breakdowns.
Put your ceiling fans on low speed:
When it’s cold out, you want to keep the warm air that naturally rises down. The fan will pull the cooler air up, and allow the warm air to stay down. A slow setting will work fine, as a faster fan setting will cause a breeze and just make you feel chillier! Keeping your air circulating can also combat humidity which if not treated can lead to mold, smells, and allergies.
Change your filters regularly:
Changing your air filters regularly will reduce dust and allergens circulating through your home, help your system run more efficiently, and will save money on costly repairs. This could be as much as a 20% savings in your expenses.
Set the temperature of your water heater at 120 degrees:
The EPA estimates that water heaters set at 140 degrees or higher waste between $36 and $61 dollars annually in standby losses and up to $400 in bringing fresh water up to temperature. That’s a sufficient amount of money! Also consider a tankless hot water heater that provides hot water on demand, while also saving money by not keeping a tank of water hot all the time.
Insulation and sealing leaks:
Inexpensive expanding foam and caulk can be your best friends. Sealing small cracks where warm air escapes and cold air enters (like around doors and windows) can make a big difference in the passive energy loss in your home. Proper insulation can save up to 20% on your energy bills!
A programmable or a smart thermostat can be a wise investment:
If there are times in the day where no one is home (kids are in school, adults at work) a programmable thermostat may be worth investing in. It is basically wasting energy and a smart thermostat can lead to big savings very quickly! This could reduce bills by an average of 10%. A recent study also showed smart thermostats are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Good for your wallet and the environment!
Switch to LED bulbs:
New LED bulbs don’t heat up like old fluorescent bulbs and are now available in soft white, emitting pleasant rather than glaring bright light.
Upgrade appliances and HVAC systems when the time comes:
HVAC systems are expensive to replace, but they are investments. Newer systems are so much more efficient than older systems. New systems can be zoned, to provide a more personalized heating and cooling to different areas of your home, allowing you to only heat or cool the areas most in use.
Open your curtains and let the sun in:
An easy way to get a little more heat into your house is by letting the natural light from the sun in. Opening your shades during the day and allowing sunlight to stream into your home will raise the temperature a few degrees, making it an easier job for your heating system, therefore reducing your energy bills!
If you have any questions about your home comfort needs, how you can become more energy-efficient, or anything HVAC related, please give us a call at 256-536-0967, or visit our website www.bunnshvac.com
