The heating and cooling bill of your home does not always have to be high. Judicious use of the HVAC system can reduce it drastically. If you notice, the keyword here is “Judicious,” the definition of which varies from person to person. So today, we will discuss how you can reduce your heating and cooling costs without putting any strain on the HVAC system.
Ways To Reduce Heating And Cooling Costs
1. Use Recommended Temperature Settings – The recommended temperature setting is between 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Try not to exceed or go below this range. In the summer season, 78 degrees Fahrenheit will serve you well, while in the winter season, 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature setting ensures optimum working of your central heating and cooling system and gives maximum energy efficiency. If you deviate, the energy efficiency of the unit declines, and it starts consuming more power. In turn, it raises your energy bills.
2. Change Air Filter Regularly – One crucial aspect of every heating and cooling system is uninterrupted airflow. When the air filter gets clogged with dust and dirt, it stops the air’s free movement. At such times, the HVAC system works hard to pull in an ample amount of air. But, in doing so, it consumes more power than necessary and starts operating under strain, decreasing energy efficiency.
3. Control Humidity – One of the main reasons behind the house or the building not maintaining the desired temperature is humidity. In summers, excessive humidity will make one feel clammy even when the AC is functioning as usual. Many people assume that the AC will extract the excess humidity and make for a comfortable environment. They forget that the main job of the AC is to cool, so it only removes a little humidity. If you live in an excessively humid area, investing in a dehumidifier would be more advisable.
4. Use The Ceiling Fan – If you want to ensure that your HVAC works without stress, you can give it a helping hand when the weather is extreme and even otherwise. Most homes have ceiling fans, and yet the homeowners don’t use them. Don’t be one of those homeowners because the fan can help you heat and cool the room faster and more efficiently. The counterclockwise movement of fans during summers helps cool the room far better than the HVAC alone. It creates a breeze effect the also forces the warm air to rise. In winters, the clockwise movement displaces the warm air from the ceiling and sucks up the cold air. This way, the home becomes warm way quicker without having to crank up the thermostat.
5. Keep The Doors And Windows Closed – The treated air of the home escapes from the open doors and windows. Therefore, do not keep them open if your heating and cooling system is working. With open doors and windows, the HVAC will struggle to maintain the indoor temperature and continues to work endlessly without cycling down. This will only increase its energy intake.
6. Use LED Lights Indoors – The old yellow bulbs might be suitable for creating a vintage effect and creating a welcoming ambiance, but they add to the heat indoors. They also consume more power. Switching to cool LED lights will give the AC a chance to rest and reduce your energy bills. These days even yellow LED lights are available so you can still create a warm and inviting look.
7. Do Not Put Electrical Appliances Close To Each Other – When you place electrical appliances close to each other, the heat they produce increases the temperature in that area. This becomes a problem during summers. When the thermostat senses the temperature is still not as per desire, it does not signal the AC to stop the cycle, and so it continues to work and consume power even when it could have cycled down. Spreading the appliances will distribute the heat generated by them and solve the problem of hot areas.
8. Use Blinds Or Window Treatments – In summers, sunlight entering from the windows heats portions of the house unnecessarily. It makes the AC run longer. Similarly, in winters, the chill from the outdoors creeps in through the glass panes. It is, therefore, suggested to either draw the blinds or get some protective window treatment done. This will limit the loss of both heat and warmth and prevent the HVAC from working too hard.
9. Better Insulate Your Home – The quality of insulation in the house plays yet another critical role in limitingHVACe use. If the insulation is poor, the treated air will not remain indoors for long. It will escape and prompt the thermostat to instruct the HVAC to continue working. Long working hours mean more use of energy, which means more expense.
10. Upgrade To A Smart Thermostat – A smart thermostat is programmable, and if you want to make any changes, you can do it from anywhere, even if you forget while at home. This allows the user to maximize energy savings by setting different temperatures for different times of the day. SO the heating and cooling system does not have to work more than necessary.
Takeaway
It is possible to ensure that your HVAC does not operate for long hours and just add to your power bills. A little foresight and some changes around the house will help keep your power expenses in check. Use the fans, draw the blinds, and keep humidity in control – small steps like these will limit your uncalled-for power usage.
Aztil Air Conditioning is a reputed HVAC contractor in South Florida. We are dedicated to ensuring that your homes, offices, and commercial buildings are most comfortable, temperature-wise, throughout the year. To that effect, we handle all HVAC installations, repairs, maintenance, indoor air quality solutions, and even offer air duct cleaning services. Furthermore, we are always available if you wish to talk to us about money-saving HVAC tips. If you wish to book an appointment, call us at +1-888-729-8452.
