It may be hard to believe, but we are almost halfway through Spring. With the longer days also come higher temperatures. As the heat outside continues to climb, people are already turning on their air conditioning units to get some mid-day cool relief. By the time Summer gets here, many of these homes will be running their air conditioning constantly in order to fight the Summer heat and that HVAC bill begin to climb.
With the need to find relief, make sure your electricity bill doesn’t suffer in the process. There are plenty of ways that you can beat the heat without paying the price. Continue reading for helpful tips from Fritts Heat & Air.
Here are some tips saving on your summer HVAC bill
#1 Smart Thermostats
Perhaps the most effective way to see a return on your investment is by purchasing an automatic thermostat. Life gets busy. People rush out the door and don’t remember to adjust their thermostats. Or perhaps you just don’t want to add one more task to your ‘To-Do List’ before leaving for work each day. Many people don’t realize the impact your HVAC system can have on your home when you’re not even there.
Studies have shown that automatic thermostats can save roughly 6.5% on energy bills. Those are dollars that add up over time. Additionally, some utility companies also offer incentives or rebates for customers with specific thermostat models. Check with your individual company to see if this is an offer you can take advantage of. Automatic thermostats also offer convenience.
Even when you’re at home, it is likely the temperature you keep your house at changes based on the time of day. It is suggested to keep the thermostat at a higher temperature in the morning and during the day while you are home, but to lower the temperature at night. While this might seem odd given that it is usually cooler at night, this suggestion comes from studies.
The majority of people reported that 65 degrees is an ideal temperature for sleeping. This is because our body is encouraged to sleep more when at a lower temperature. So if your house is cooler at night, it will help with falling asleep and getting better rest. Likewise, warmer temperatures in the morning and during the day will help prevent that groggy tired feeling.
An automatic thermostat can help make sure your home is always at the ideal temperature, without you having to constantly remember to change it yourself. This helps offer convenience while you are home. Additionally, if you have specific times of different days when you are gone, an automatic thermostat can help. You can program right down to the specific day and time frame. This helps ensure your HVAC unit isn’t doing more work than it needs to while your family is at work, school, or other activities.
Still, an automatic thermostat can’t account for all factors. Your HVAC unit still needs regular maintenance and upkeep. This is another main opportunity that can help save money.
#2 HVAC Maintenance
The usual advice is to clean your home HVAC system every three to five years. This is because over time debris and general workload can affect the performance of your unit. Also, if your air ducts are dirty or your HVAC unit is damaged it increases the energy used by the system and therefore increases your resulting HVAC bill.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 25% – 40% of the energy used in heating or cooling a home is wasted. This is due to several factors. One of the easiest factors that you can control is the state of your HVAC unit. Make sure to schedule regular maintenance. Pay attention to any unusual sounds or leaks that might indicate a problem.
Not only does keeping your HVAC unit cleaned help save you money in the long run, but it also helps keep your home safe and family healthy too. If a unit becomes too blocked or damaged, it can cause a house fire. With many units located in attics around insulation, it won’t take long for that fire to spread.
Additionally, cleaner ducts mean cleaner air being sent to each room. This can help improve overall respiratory and physical health. Especially in people with existing medical conditions.
While you’re breathing in the fresh air from your clean HVAC unit, focus on another money-saving opportunity. Your windows!
#3 Window Treatments
It is a commonly known fact that energy-efficient windows and curtains can help keep heat in during the winter. Obviously, this helps with saving you money when it comes to staying warm. However, did you know the same concept applies to your Summer HVAC bill as well?
Windows provide us with light and a scenic view of the world outside our home. However, they are also notorious for being culprits of energy costs. During the Summer is no different as the heat from outside can make its’ way into your home. This increases the temperature in each room which in turn increases your energy bill.
Help your HVAC unit have to do less work by making sure you have energy-efficient windows installed. The U.S. Department of Energy also reports that homeowners save hundreds of dollars annually by replacing single-pane windows with double-paned windows instead. This is because double-paned windows are better at making a barrier against heat.
This keeps heat in your home during the winter and out during the Summer. Additionally, many utility companies offer some type of reward incentive for homeowners who have energy-efficient windows. This is something to ask about when you are inquiring about your automatic thermostat.
While you’re at it, show off your energy savings with window curtains! Quality window curtains and curtain liners can reduce the heat your windows absorb by 33% which means money staying in your bank account. This is an opportunity to not only help decorate a room but continue adding to your savings.
With so many ways to help save money on your summer HVAC bill, you can be sure you are ready for the hot weather! While there is a lot you can do to help your HVAC system personally, there are still those moments where repairs or general maintenance will be needed. When this happens, make sure you know what professional you can trust.
A/C Repair and HVAC Service in Atlanta, Ga
Fritts Heat & Air provides our superior HVAC services to north metro-Atlanta and several surrounding areas. We offer installation, repairs, maintenance services, and more. Call us today at (678) 327-3897. Visit our website for more information. You deserve the peace of mind when it comes to your family and home.