3 Ways to Fight Back Against Skyrocketing Utility Bills
Utility bills are a major source of frustration for most homeowners. You can’t really live without electricity, but at the same time, it’s often a large expense. With the rising cost associated with keeping the lights on, there’s more need than ever to do something about those bills.
Obviously, you can’t do much about the cost of power, but you can control how much your Venice, FL, home uses. Some of the best ways to do that involve your home heating and cooling systems.
Invest in A/C Maintenance
Having your home heating and cooling systems professionally maintained may seem like an unnecessary expense, but if you take utility bills into account, it’ll actually save you money in the long run. During each maintenance visit, our technicians will clear up any small issues, such as constant cycling on and off, that could be costing you money. Even something a simple as replacing air filters can have a big impact on efficiency. Moreover, we’ll take the time to re-calibrate your systems to make them even more efficient.
Maintenance has a second important effect on your finances: It prevents future repairs and replacements. Spending a little money up front on maintenance can save you much more down the road by making your systems last longer.
Take Control
Sometimes, the solution to using too much power is to just use your HVAC systems less. During the cooling season, set your thermostat as high as you can comfortably stand, which is between 76 and 79 degrees for most people. Every degree on your thermostat changes your air conditioner’s energy use by about 9 percent. Using ceiling fans can facilitate this process by creating a cool breeze in your home, allowing you to comfortably handle higher temperatures.
If there are long stretches of the day when everyone’s outside the house, you can save money in a second way by using a programmable thermostat. Your HVAC systems will shut down automatically when you leave and turn back on just before you return; time it right, and you’ll save plenty without sacrificing comfort. For even more precise control, consider investing in a system that offers zoning; that way, you can shut off climate control in an unused space or direct a little more AC to a room that’s always too warm.
Upgrade and Save
There’s plenty you can do to improve the efficiency of your current heating and cooling systems, but sometimes, you’ll find you’re limited by your existing equipment. If your current air conditioner is improperly sized or just plain old, upgrading to a more efficient model will make a huge difference in your utility bills. A simple payback analysis, which compares the cost of installation to the long-term savings on utilities, will tell you how long it will take for the new unit to pay for itself.
At Custom Air & Plumbing, we’re dedicated to helping our friends and neighbors maximize energy efficiency in their homes. Give us a call to find out about more ways to save.