Staying cool doesn’t have to mean astronomical energy bills with proper HVAC maintenance.
Most of us are accustomed to paying higher energy bills when we have to run our air conditioners throughout the summer, but staying cool doesn’t necessarily have to mean higher energy bills. In fact, there are lots of things you can do to save more energy while staying cool:
#1. Don’t neglect HVAC maintenance.
In a previous blog, we went over some of the reasons why it’s so essential to ensure that you properly maintain your HVAC system, and one of the reasons we gave was that it keeps your system working efficiently. If your system isn’t working at its peak efficiency level, the bottom line is that it will cost you more to run it, and if you have to rely on your air conditioner all the time, it can really add up. HVAC maintenance keeps everything in your system running smoothly and efficiently, helping you to cut your monthly energy bills.
#2. Get the HVAC repairs you need promptly.
In addition to getting the regular maintenance you need, it’s also important not to put off repairs when your system needs them. If your air conditioner is in need of repairs and you keep running it, it’s not likely to run very efficiently. Plus, if you don’t get repairs taken care of early on, the problem is only going to get more severe, and therefore, more expensive to fix. Getting prompt HVAC repairs gets your system back up and running efficiently again quickly and helps you save on repair costs.
#3. Program your thermostat for success.
The fact of the matter is that, if you’re paying to cool your home when no one is there to enjoy it, you’re wasting money. So it’s important to program your thermostat for the times when you’re not home or when you go to sleep at night. It’s also advisable to turn the thermostat a few degrees warmer, as it can translate into big savings every month. If you don’t have an automatic thermostat in your home that allows you to preprogram for different times of the day, you should definitely think about upgrading. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat saves an average of $180 on cooling costs every year.
#4. Utilize your ceiling fans.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, then you have a powerful tool for staying cooler while saving energy already. Although your ceiling fan won’t lower the temperature in your home, it can make you feel cooler when it’s on, which will allow you to get away with setting your thermostat a few degrees warmer without noticing much of a difference. By using a fan, you can make the room feel approximately four degrees Fahrenheit cooler than leaving the fan off, just make sure to turn it off when you’re not there to enjoy the effects.
#5 Make your home as air-tight as possible
If there are air leaks in your home, then your hard-earned money is literally leaking out of your home through minuscule cracks, crevices and holes that you may not even realize exist. In order to enjoy the conditioned air in your home to the fullest, that air needs to actually stick around inside your home, and one of the best ways to ensure that happens is by sealing any air leaks.
You don’t necessarily have to scour your house for these openings; if you seal your window and door frames with caulk or weatherstripping, it can often go a long way to dramatically reducing your energy bills. Insulating your ducts can also help to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency.
#6 Don’t forget to replace dirty filters
A key to HVAC maintenance is clean filters. According to the EPA, you should be checking your HVAC air filters on a monthly basis and replacing them as needed. This super simple, HVAC maintenance task can make a huge difference in your energy bills, because filters that are clogged with dirt, allergens and debris slow down the flow of air, which forces your system to have to work a whole lot harder. Not only can dirty filters lead to higher energy bills, they can also cause severe damage to your system, leading to pricey repairs or possibly even premature failure.
#7 Upgrade to more energy-efficient lighting
Did you know that the type of light bulbs you use could affect the temperature in your home? Sure, incandescent light bulbs may be the cheapest option available, but they also produce a lot of heat. In fact, incandescent light bulbs produce as much as 75 percent more heat than CFLs and LEDs. Plus, CFLs and LEDs use less energy as it is, saving you even more on your energy bills.
Call on Tri-Elite Advisors for your HVAC maintenance
Tri-Elite Advisors is your trusted partner for HVAC maintenance, ensuring your home stays cool and energy-efficient. Our experienced technicians provide thorough inspections, cleanings, and tune-ups to optimize system performance and reduce energy consumption. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns, extends the life of your HVAC system, and keeps energy bills under control. With 24/7 availability, competitive pricing, and discounts for seniors, veterans, and military members, we make HVAC care convenient and affordable. Trust us to keep your home comfortable all year long! Servicing Kent and New Castle County Delaware, Chester and Delaware County Pennsylvania, and Cecil County Maryland.