Ways to Save Money While Staying Comfortable
If homeowners are tired of high utility bills and are looking for ways to reduce them, reducing heating and air conditioning costs is a great place to start, since they make up a significant part of utility costs. This post will share some easy ways to save on heating and cooling costs while still keeping the home comfortable all year round.
Regular Maintenance and Air Filter Replacement
Replacing air filters when needed is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to save on heating and cooling costs throughout the year. When air filters become dirty and clogged with dust and debris, the heating or air conditioning system must work harder, consuming more energy and increasing utility bills. Most standard filters should be changed every three months or when dirty. However, AC or furnace filters may need to be replaced more often, depending on household factors like pets, residents with allergies, and local air quality.
The financial benefits of regular air filter replacement extend beyond savings on utility bills. Maintaining clean filters can help prevent problems and repairs and extend the lifespan of expensive HVAC equipment, helping prevent early heater or AC replacement.
Professional heating and air conditioning maintenance also helps deliver long-term savings. During these annual tune-ups, technicians can perform tasks and inspections that improve efficiency, reduce utility bills, prevent problems and repairs, and extend the lifespan of heaters and air conditioners. So, regular maintenance and clean air filters can lead to a more reliable heating and AC system, while a homeowner’s wallet benefits from lower costs.
Utilize Ceiling Fans for Year-Round Energy Savings
Ceiling fans can also help reduce heating and cooling costs when used strategically throughout the year. The direction ceiling fan blades rotate makes all the difference in maximizing energy efficiency while maintaining comfort. Many homeowners don't realize that they can also use their ceiling fans along with their heating system for efficiency and savings, not just their air conditioners.
During the summer months, when using the air conditioner, set the ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise. This creates a cooling downdraft that makes rooms feel cooler, which allows homeowners to raise the temperature on the thermostat for savings without affecting home comfort.
When using the heater in colder months, reverse the direction of the ceiling fans to clockwise and change the settings to a low speed. This gentle updraft pushes warm air that naturally rises to the ceiling back down into the living spaces, making it feel warmer. This also allows the thermostat to be adjusted for savings while keeping the home comfortable. By properly utilizing ceiling fans year-round, homeowners can reduce the workload on their HVAC system and save.
Smart Thermostat Installation
Smart thermostats represent one of the most effective ways to save on heating and cooling costs with minimal effort. These intelligent devices can automatically adjust a home's temperature based on residents’ schedules and preferences, eliminating energy waste when people are away and the home is empty but ensuring the home is comfortable before people return. Installing a smart thermostat offers more energy-saving features beyond auto-scheduling that help save money on heating and cooling.
Many models have features like vacation mode to save money and reduce energy use when the home is empty for an extended period. They can provide detailed energy profiles that show a home’s energy usage throughout the day to help identify additional savings opportunities. Smart thermostats also allow homeowners to adjust the home's temperature from anywhere using a smartphone or other device connected to Wi-Fi. This can help when people have unexpected schedule changes, allowing the smart thermostat settings to be adjusted remotely. Some models also integrate with other smart home systems and can even alert homeowners to issues like extreme temperature changes.
About RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated business serving the South Plainfield area. They provide upfront, honest pricing, fast turnarounds, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for heating and air conditioning services in South Plainfield, NJ.
