Utility costs can make up a significant portion of household budgets. Check with your energy provider to identify rebates and assistance programs.
Perform a home energy audit to find out where your money is disappearing (like drafty windows and uninsulated attics). A few easy changes like turning back the thermostat while asleep or away can save up to 10% a year. Contact MASON HEATING AND COOLING for more information.
1. Turn Down the Thermostat
Summer may be fading into memory, but turning your thermostat down for winter will save you money in the long run. The trick is to figure out the right balance between energy savings and comfort. According to the Department of Energy, shifting your thermostat settings by seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can cut heating costs by up to 10%. And if you invest in a smart thermostat, your energy savings could be even greater.
A common mistake is to set the thermostat higher in hopes of speeding up the cooldown, which is actually counterproductive. Instead, it is best to make small incremental changes over the course of a week, rather than shocking your system all at once. This will give your body time to adjust, and will prevent overcooling in the meantime.
When you set your thermostat, try to keep it at a temperature that you and your family can live with for the entire winter. This will help you save money on your energy bills and avoid any surprises later, when your heating bills come due.
In order to set your thermostat at a comfortable level, consider what the average indoor temperature is in your region and how many people will be living in your home during the winter. You can also consult the recommended seasonal settings on your HVAC system’s manual or ask an expert to assist you.
As winter sets in, you can lower your thermostat even more when your family is out during the day and asleep at night. Keeping the thermostat at a warmer setting while you are away, and lowering it when everyone is at work or school can save you as much as 10% on your heating costs.
Just be sure not to go too low, as this can lead to discomfort and even damage to your system. And it’s important to check in with the schedules of those in your household to ensure that you don’t oversleep or wake up at an unexpected time, which can lead to unnecessary energy consumption.
2. Install Insulation
Many homes lose energy through poor sealing and insulation, forcing HVAC systems to work harder to keep indoor temperatures comfortable. By addressing air leakage and installing adequate insulation, you can reduce your energy expenses and create a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle.
Insulation is a material that stops heat from escaping your home in the winter and prevents hot air from entering during the summer. It can be installed in your attic, walls, or ceilings. Different types of insulation are rated by their R-Value, which indicates how much resistance to heat flow they have. However, it’s important to understand that R-Value doesn’t tell the whole story.
The best type of insulation for your home will depend on where you live and your climate. For example, if you live in an area that experiences extreme cold weather, you’ll want to add more attic insulation to help prevent heat loss through the roof. In addition to reducing heating costs, proper insulation will also make your house more comfortable throughout the year.
One of the easiest ways to reduce energy waste is by addressing drafts around doors and windows. In addition to adding insulation, you can also install door sweeps, which help block the flow of air between exterior and interior doors. Another way to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by insulating your hot water pipes. This will reduce the amount of energy your water heater needs to operate, lowering your energy bills.
When it comes to lowering your heating and cooling bills, proper home insulation is the most effective strategy for making your home more energy efficient. By preventing heat loss and increasing your home’s energy efficiency, you can cut your energy costs by up to 15%. To learn more about how to lower your energy costs by sealing and insulating your home, contact RetroFoam of Michigan today. Our team has more than 17 years of experience insulating homes across the lower peninsula and Toledo area. We look forward to helping you save money and improve your home’s comfort! Call or fill out our online form to get started.
3. Replace Dirty Filters
The cheapest way to cut your energy bills is to replace your air filter. Clogged filters force your AC to run longer and use more electricity to push conditioned air through the house. This strains your system and causes it to overheat, shortening its lifespan and costing you more money in the long run. Replacing your air filter every three to six months is a simple task that can save you money.
The primary function of an air filter is to catch dust, dander, and other pollutants from entering your system. These handy sieves live in ductwork slots or return grilles, and they collect and trap debris before it enters your evaporator coil. Filters also boost efficiency by helping coolants retain their cooler, more comfortable temperatures.
Air filters are the most important part of your HVAC maintenance routine, yet many homeowners fail to check and change them regularly. This prevents them from catching dirt, dander, and other pollutants in your system, which can damage it and reduce its overall efficiency. It’s recommended that you change your filter monthly, especially during heavy usage months in winter and summer.
To check your filter, turn off the HVAC system and remove it from its slot in the ductwork or grille. Look at it to see if it is covered in layers of hair, dust, or debris. Then, if possible, run your finger across it. If your finger comes away dirty, it’s time for a new filter. When shopping for a replacement, be sure to read the size printed on the filter’s side. Make note of it so you can get the correct size the next time. When inserting the new filter, place it with the arrows pointing in the direction of airflow.
4. Turn Off Electronics
Winter heating costs can spike — especially in areas that use natural gas as their primary energy source. However, there are ways to lower these costs. Start by sealing cracks and preventing drafts in your home with caulking or weather stripping. You can also install a smart thermostat to pre-program temperatures and reduce your heating costs. These devices are available on the PSE&G Marketplace at discounted prices.
Other simple steps to lower your electricity bill include replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs and rearranging the electrical outlets to put all electronics on one power strip that you can turn off when you’re not using them. Many electronics use a trickle of electricity even when they’re switched off, a practice known as “phantom load.” These devices can add up to $100 per year to your electric bill.
Also, switch to a power strip with a built-in manual on/off switch that cuts off the current to your appliances when they’re not in use. This will help you avoid the problem of “phantom load.” Another simple way to cut your electricity bill is to use less hot water — by washing laundry in colder or warm/hot water, and running the dishwasher and clothes dryer only when full. Finally, speaking to a customer service representative at your utility company may help you identify rebates and assistance programs. For example, some utilities offer a free home energy audit.