Best Practices for Reducing Your Heating and Cooling Costs

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 40% of a household budget goes to heating and cooling costs. That percentage will vary based on the climate you live in, the age and design of your home, and other factors, such as whether your home has high sun exposure. If, like most homeowners, you’d like to reduce your heating and cooling bills, here are some best practices you can implement. The good news is that many are low-cost, readily available, and DIY-friendly.

Change Your Filters

Many HVAC performance problems stem from dirty air filters. The general rule is to change them every three months. This timeframe may be more frequent if you live in an area with lots of dust and pollution. Air filters are relatively inexpensive, and you can choose from a variety of filters, such as HEPA or ones specially designed to combat allergens. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for how frequently you need to change your HVAC filters.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat, also known as a smart thermostat, can significantly reduce your energy bills. Simply program it based on energy needs. For example, during the winter, you can program the thermostat to turn down the heat during the day while your family is at work and school. Then, tell the thermostat to turn the heat up, so your house is warm and toasty by the time everybody arrives home in the late afternoon. You can buy a programmable thermostat at hardware stores, big box stores, and online.

Seal and Insulate Ducts, Windows, and Doors

You would be surprised by how much warm and cool air can escape through windows, doors, and leaky ductwork, which causes your HVAC system to work harder, leading to higher energy costs. You can pick up weatherstripping tape and other related products again, at big box or hardware stores, or online. Seal the seams in the ducts in the attic, garage, and crawlspaces. You can also seal up any drafty windows and gaps around doors. You will notice an improvement in how warm or cool your home feels afterward.

Conduct Seasonal Maintenance

Having a professional HVAC technician tune up your AC or furnace during the spring and fall will go a long way toward improving system performance and reducing your energy bills. It may feel like just one more expense, but … wouldn’t you rather spend the money in April, than be forced to pay top dollar if your AC goes out in mid-August and HVAC companies are backed up? During a seasonal maintenance call, the technician will thoroughly examine all components of your air conditioner and your furnace and recommend and make any necessary repairs and replacements.

Upgrade your HVAC System

The average lifespan of an HVAC system is around 12-15 years. If your system is pushing the upper limits, it may be more cost-effective to replace it than to keep repairing it. When researching systems, look at the SEER rating. This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and you should look for a value of 14 or 15, depending on where you live. SEER ratings are set by the U.S. Department of Energy.

If you are at the point where you want to upgrade your HVAC system or learn more about seasonal maintenance, contact Atlas Butler at 1-800-FURNACE. We can make recommendations on the best HVAC system based on your location, the size of your home, and other factors. Ask about our Comfort Club. Three membership tiers are available, which include discounts on seasonal maintenance, products, and repairs. You will be assured that your HVAC will operate at peak efficiency during the hottest and coldest months.