Lowering Heating and Cooling Costs
The average homeowner spends over $2,000 a year on energy, almost half of which goes to heating and cooling the home. Reducing the demands on your HVAC system and making sure it performs at peak efficiency can result in big savings. Here are several ideas for lowering your energy costs.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Every degree you lower your thermostat during the winter or raise it during the summer saves about three percent on heating and cooling costs. While that might not sound like much, if you spend $900 a year on heating and cooling, a four degree change can save over $100.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats can be set to automatically raise or lower the temperature of your home when you’re away. They’re easy to install and can shave about 10-15% off of your heating and cooling bills for an average annual savings of around $100. Programmable thermostats can pay for themselves in one to two years.
Maintain your Furnace and Air Conditioner
Have your HVAC system professionally serviced regularly to ensure that it’s running efficiently. Oil-fired systems should be serviced every year, gas furnaces every two years, and heat pumps every three years. This not only increases the life of the system, but can improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution.
Replace Older Furnaces and Air Conditioners
If your furnace or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a newer energy efficient model for a savings of 15% or more on heating and cooling costs.
Upgrade Your Filter and Change it Regularly
A dirty air filter prevents your HVAC system from working efficiently and can add 5% or more to your energy costs. Using a high quality filter also helps to reduce dust and improve indoor air quality.
