Here’s an interesting statistic: on average, homeowners spend over thirteen thousand dollars in electricity annually. This means at least 5 to 10 percent of the income goes to paying the electricity bill.
The good thing is there is no shortage of ways you can reduce your energy bills significantly without compromising your comfort. For starters, regular preventative maintenance has been known to help lower energy costs. But that’s not all.
Below are other effective ways you can dramatically reduce energy cost and your energy bill:
Use a Smart Thermostat
If your goal is to save energy, using a smart thermostat is one of the best things you can look into. A smart thermostat can help ensure less energy is used when no one is at home. You just key in the desired temperature and set a schedule, and the temperature is kept low even if no one is at home to adjust it.
Investing in a smart thermostat with the ENERGY STAR label is recommended as it can help you save as much as 8% on your heating and cooling bills. You also have the opportunity to save more, depending on a few factors like thermostat placement, HVAC equipment used, and the climate.
Lower the Water Heater Temperature
The water heater works by distributing hot water to the sinks, showers, laundry machines and dishwashers. A rise in the energy cost can be attributed to the heater storing warm water in the tank. To save energy, it would be a good idea to invest in tankless water heaters.
However, if you don’t have a tankless water heater, you can save on electricity bills by lowering the temperature by a few degrees. Ideally, the water heater temperature should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you will be away for an extended period, turning your water heater off would be an excellent way to save money.
Replace Your Oil Filters Regularly
If you want your HVAC system to run seamlessly, one of the first things you should look into is the air filter. Air filters also work by ensuring pet dander, dust, and other allergens won’t be able to circulate and affect the quality of your air indoors.
It is also important to remember that your HVAC system can consume more energy when dust and other debris accumulate over time. Ideally, the air filter should be cleaned and replaced every two months. Doing so can also help guarantee there is optimal air flow, and the system works as it should.
Find Leaks and Plug Them
Another way you can lower your HVAC cost would be to look for cracks, gaps, and holes at home. Gaps, holes, and cracks can cause cooled and heated air to escape.
Apart from wasting energy, leaks can cause moisture and other issues that can affect the quality of the air indoors. If you want to significantly reduce your cooling and heating costs, air seal your home using weatherstripping or caulk.
Invest in a New HVAC System
In many cases, the reduced efficiency of most HVAC systems can be caused by the system itself. This is especially true if you are using outdated models. Typically, HVAC systems last for 15 years. However, there are HVAC systems that can also last up to 25 years.
The older your HVAC system gets, its efficiency can be significantly affected by regular wear and tear. Understandably, old HVAC units are less efficient compared to their contemporary counterparts. Older models are also known to consume more energy.
The Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER) of modern HVAC systems is higher compared to conventional models. The higher the SEER rating, the better it is as it indicates the unit is more efficient.
While replacing your HVAC can seem like an expense you can do without, the savings it provides in the long term makes it a worthwhile investment.
Final Thoughts
It is reassuring to know that there are countless options available at your disposal when it comes to lowering your energy bills and reducing your HVAC energy cost. If you are looking to save money, the tips laid out above can get your efforts off to a superb start.
Author’s bio:
Sara Olsen is the Content Marketing Manager of Emergency Air, Arizona’s premier HVAC repair and service company with NATE-certified technicians and the best HVAC service in the quickest time. When not writing articles, she makes the most of her time with her family and gives back to the community.
