Easy Ways to Lower Your Heating and Cooling Bill

Homeowners spend nearly 50% of their energy bills on heating and cooling their homes. While this percentage will certainly vary throughout the year, there is no denying that this is a huge portion of any homes overall utility budget. Because of this, many homeowners search for ways to lower their overall heating and cooling costs. By taking a few simple steps, most homeowners can enjoy lower energy bills without decreasing their overall comfort.

Routine Maintenance

Routine heating and air maintenance is one of the most commonly neglected steps that can help save on heating and cooling bills. Many homeowners just aren't aware that you should have a local heating and air professional perform routine maintenance twice a year. This routine maintenance helps make sure that your systems are working properly and efficiently. This can not only help save you money, but help you avoid untimely breakdowns as well. At a minimum, you should be doing the following:

繚 Have your air conditioning system checked out each spring just before you begin to use it regularly.

繚 Have a local technician check your furnace each fall before you begin using it frequently.

繚 Change your air filters at least once a month.

繚 Make sure your condenser unit is always clean and clear of any obstructions.

Install New Equipment

If you live in an older home, it may make sense for you to replace your older heating and air units with newer, more efficient models. Naturally, this requires a high up-front cost that can be prohibitive to many homeowners. Depending on the remaining life in your equipment, however, this can end up being one of the most cost-effective options that you have. Installing units that are Energy Star rated can save you significantly on your utility bills. In many cases, these units will pay for themselves in a very short period of time.

In addition to replacing your heating and air units, you should also look into installing a programmable thermostat. This relatively inexpensive upgrade can do wonders at making your home more energy efficient. A programmable thermostat will allow you to custom program a heating and cooling schedule so that you can make sure that your thermostat changes accordingly even when you are not home.

Seal and Insulate

The insulation in your walls and ceiling can have a huge effect on the effectiveness of your heating and cooling system. This is also true of the seals around your doors and windows. Start by sealing all of your doors and windows properly, making sure that there are no spaces for air to leak in and out. For a thorough evaluation, consider having a local professional perform a full energy audit on your home. They can help you identify any non-apparent leaks, as well as determine whether or not you have an adequate amount of insulation.

Because of its large percentage of your overall energy bills, making even small positive changes in your heating and cooling system can have a great effect on your overall energy spending. Take some time to review your heating and air system, and the way that you use it. There is room for increased efficiency (and savings) in every household.