Tips on Lowering Your HVAC Bill

That certainly includes on your energy bill.

So, what is the biggest user of energy in your home? Answer: your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Home HVAC accounts for 45-50% of your monthly electricity consumption – which means that any way that you can streamline your heating and cooling usage can make a big difference in your power bills.

And while Georgia is below the national average in electricity usage charges, that does not mean that you should not take every opportunity to produce maximum efficiency – and be comfortable while not fretting about your bottom line.

With that in mind, here’s a few tips on lowering your HVAC bill.

• Install and use ceiling fans – Your comfort is largely based on the air circulating throughout your home. Utilizing ceiling fans will allow you to feel more comfortable without having to turn your HVAC up or down. And they utilize far less energy.
• How’s your insulation? The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association estimates that 90 percent of single-family homes in the United States are under-insulated. Attic insulation can do much to lower the loss of comfortable air in your home.
• Seal up cracks to the outside – Making your home comfortable is as much about keeping conditioned air inside as it is keeping outside air out. Leaks mean that your heating and air conditioning units will have to run longer and harder than a home that is properly sealed. Check for gaps or hot/cold spots around all doors and windows and caulk them shut or find an alternative.
• Fix leaky ductwork – A hole or crack in your ductwork means that you are spending money on HVAC that is leaking – and not being delivered to where it will make you most comfortable. If your ductwork is older or if there are large portions that you cannot see, you may want to contact an HVAC professional and have them scan your system for leaks.
• Change your indoor temps…Just a little – Changing your interior temperature by just a few degrees can make a huge difference in your bills. In fact, if you can, set your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees lower for those times when you are sleeping or away from home. Do this for eight hours a day and you can lower your annual heating and cooling costs by roughly 10%. If you have a smart thermostat, it may even learn how best to do this for you.
• Install a smart thermostat – Modern thermostats are perhaps the key to lower heating and air bills. That’s because they constantly analyze patterns and adjust to efficiently meet your comfort desires. This reality streamlines energy usage in ways unthinkable even a few years ago. These devices account for outside weather so that it can provide the most efficient comfort possible.
• Use your blinds/curtains – While sunlight is beautiful, shining it into your home will also raise the indoor temperature by several degrees and cause your HVAC to work harder to maintain comfort. That’s why you should close your blinds and curtains except for during sunrise and sunset. Closed blinds and curtains can also help provide insulation, keeping comfortable air in and cold/warm air outside.
• Keep your HVAC system maintained – Twice yearly service calls from an experienced professional are the key to keeping your HVAC running at peak efficiency. Also, do not allow a system to run that you know is damaged. This may seem obvious, but some people try to squeeze everything they can out of a system – even when it is malfunctioning – thinking this will save them money. It doesn’t. It actually costs money in the long run, as a damaged HVAC system will likely work harder and longer and use more electricity – without ever providing optimum comfort. So, if you suspect your HVAC is not working properly or is near the end of its lifespan (they usually last about 10-15 years), please call a professional for help ASAP.

Follow these steps and you can do much to keep your electrical bills in check. If you would like further information or ideas on how to streamline and improve your HVAC efficiency in the north Georgia or metro Atlanta area, consider reaching out to Conditioned Air Systems. Our expert and NATE-certified technicians will be able to get your HVAC running at peak efficiency, while also showing you how to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Through five decades, Conditioned Air has been keeping families comfortable – all without breaking the bank. And we’re happy to help you enjoy the same. Call us today at 770-536-7509 and tell us how we can help.