With all the economic troubles and rising inflation rates, one should look for ways on how to save money, including electric bills. Your energy consumption is a significant expense that you can modify and save money from. Summer is coming and what it brings is a high demand for energy, which causes you to have skyrocketing electric bills.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted HVAC company in Fridley MN that offers you practical tips on how to reduce your energy consumption.
Invest in energy-saving light bulbs.
LED lights are a revolutionary, energy-saving lighting solution. With increasing electricity costs, it just makes sense to switch to LED lights because they are up to 70 to 80 percent more energy-efficient than a conventional incandescent bulb. Using less power per unit of light generated, these bulbs last longer than conventional incandescent and CFL bulbs.
Improve your home’s insulation.
According to the Department of Energy, your HVAC equipment accounts for about half of your monthly utility bills. July and August are typically the hottest months of the year, causing you to crank up your air conditioner. The larger the difference between the outside temperature and your thermostat, the harder your air conditioner works to keep you comfortable.
If your house has poor insulation, some of the cool air coming from your vents will escape in those leaks, wasting precious energy. On the other hand, if your house is properly insulated, you can keep it cooler in summer and warmer in winter, which can save a significant amount in heating and cooling losses.
Reduce your HVAC system use.
Instead of making your air conditioner or furnace work hard and increase your energy costs, use your thermostat wisely. Our bodies are designed to adjust to our surroundings, so turning up the thermostat a few degrees during the summer won’t harm. A good alternative is to use fans to keep you cool since blowing air on yourself takes less energy than creating hot or cold air. Also, choose clothes that are appropriate for the season. You don’t have to wear a jacket just because your thermostat is set all the way to the lowest temperature!
Clean your filters.
A clogged filter can cause your HVAC system to work harder than it should. In extreme cases, it can also lead to serious damage to the unit. Dirt and neglect are two of the most common causes of HVAC equipment breakdown, yet such problems can be easily avoided — by simply changing your air filters at least once per month.
Changing your air filters regularly ensures cleaner, safer, and healthier indoor air. It also protects your furnace or air conditioner from premature failure. In addition, cleaning out or replacing a clogged filter will help you save a significant amount on energy costs. A clean filter uses less energy than a dirty one. This alone can result in up to 15 percent of savings on your monthly utility costs.
Unplug your electronics.
This is an absolute no-brainer. However, we tend to forget about our phone and camera chargers. Because of this, they remain plugged in, consuming energy in the process. By using power strips, you can shut off the power to these devices all at once. Also, according to Consumer Reports, you can save as much as $25 to $75 annually just by putting your computer on standby.
Use smart thermostats.
If you’re someone who doesn’t like to stand up and modify your temperature settings, you’ll love the way how a smart thermostat works. These smart devices have the ability to keep your home comfortable in the most efficient ways. They can learn your daily schedule and temperature preferences, making it easy to conserve energy. When paired with a smartphone, these devices can let you confirm if your HVAC system is running smoothly while you’re away.
Certain smart thermostats offer energy reports, which give you real-time information on how much energy you’re using throughout the month.
Also, a smart thermostat can detect a dirty filter and will let you know when it needs cleaning or replacement.
Call the HVAC Pros
For additional information on how to make your HVAC systems more energy-efficient, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. For over 40 years, we have been the top Maple Grove heating and air conditioning company trusted by homeowners.