Saving on heating and air conditioning bills is not only good for your wallet, it's good for the planet, too. Here are some tips.
Who doesn't want to save money on their heating and air conditioning bills? While most people want their homes or offices to be comfortable in the winter and summer,
they often aren't thrilled with the big dollar amounts that they must shell out each month in order to pay utility companies. Energizing your heating and air conditioning units depletes planetary resources, too. Mother Earth and your bank account will be healthier and happier if you practice efficient energy practices. Here are some tips for doing just that:
Saving on Heating Costs
- Service call: Before winter rolls around, call in the local HVAC service tech to have him or her tune up your machinery. Preventative maintenance will keep your heater working more efficiently and head off problems before they start.
- Insulate your home: A well insulated home will hold warmth inside your dwelling and save on utility costs. This can be in the form of batting sheets stuffed into your walls and attic or sprayed in loose fiberfill.
- Seal cracks: Make sure all cracks around doorways, windows, and electrical plates are sealed up. This can be done with weather-stripping or silicone caulk. Every tiny opening is an opportunity for heat to slip out of your house and cash to slip out of your wallet.
- Tax incentives: Energy star HVAC systems will not only run more efficiently to lower utility bills, they often come with tax rebates and incentives. Uncle Sam wants Americans to save the planet's resources, too.
Save on Air Conditioning Bills
- Service call: Before summer arrives, a wise homeowner will call their service technician to come out. Techs are trained to keep AC units functioning at optimum capacity and troubleshoot any problems that may be lurking. They will inspect the systems and perform preventative maintenance. When the hot days of summer are in full force, your AC will be cranking cool air.
- Change filters: Changing the filters each month in your air conditioner is an important part of keeping everything working correctly. Buying a supply of the filters from your local hardware store to keep on hand will ensure that they're readily available each month. A good way to remember this chore is by choosing a specific day to do it, such as the first Saturday of the month.
- Insulate: Just like insulation keeps the heat contained within your walls during the winter, it will keep your cooler temps contained during the summer.
- Window coverings: During the hottest portion of the day, keeping shades, curtains or cellular blinds drawn to block the sunshine will be a smart move. Having direct sunlight flood a house will cause temperatures to rise and the AC to work harder.
- Curtail oven usage mid-day: Don't roast turkeys, bake cakes or anything else that will keep the oven on during the hottest part of the day. Baking and roasting will heat up your kitchen as well as your entire home.
By paying attention to a few details, homeowners can save cash and fossil fuel. Reducing heating and air conditioning bills, it's a win-win situation for everyone.
