Saving on your monthly utility bills can be life-changing as it frees up money for other expenses experienced in your home. These excellent tips aim to help you with frugal heating and cooling savings throughout the year.
1. Seal All Air Leaks
Air leaks can cause terrible wind drafts to permeate a home and its living spaces. This can set the tone for chilly winters and excessive use of heaters or heating systems within the home. Finding and sealing the air leaks will drastically cut the consistent need for heating as warm air will no longer escape, and cold air won’t seep through.
2. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are one of the best things to have in your home. The technology automatically changes the temperature to either cool or warm. The temperature changes can be set for when you’re away, and by the time you’re back home, the temperature will be just perfect on a cold or warm summer’s day. For example, on August 11, 1936, and June 26, 1980, Fort Worth, Texas‘s highest recorded temperature was 115 degrees Fahrenheit, and having a smart thermostat would’ve been extremely handy during that time.
3. Regularly Replace Furnace Filters
It might not be one of the first things anyone thinks of when cutting home heating and cooling expenses, but furnace filters can help. Replacing the filter regularly helps it function more efficiently and ensures the air remains clean while in use. A dirty filter can cause allergen particles and microbes in the air to multiply.
4. Go for an Energy Saving Air Conditioner
In past years, improvements to HVAC systems have increased dramatically and have allowed families to save costs in their homes. There have been enormous improvements in air conditioner energy efficiency in recent years. Did you know that your cooling costs can be reduced by 20-50% if you install an energy-efficient model? If you haven’t installed one yet, we highly recommend doing so and start enjoying the lower utility bills in your home.
5. Let the Sun In
You can use the sun’s heat to naturally heat up the living spaces in your home during cooler months. Large glass windows can help you achieve nice sun-soaked lounges and bedrooms, which is always welcomed.
6. Insulate Your Property
Insulation is a huge cost-saving solution to help regulate the temperatures within your home. It’s noted that about three-quarters of all homes in the U.S. have air conditioners. Still, when it comes to air conditioners, they use around 6% of all the electricity produced in the country at an annual cost of about $29 billion to homeowners. If you can use insulation to your advantage for cooling or keeping heat in your home, then you can save a lot on your energy utility bill.
7. Close the Damper of the Fireplace
Just as quickly the place heats up while the crackling fire goes, the warm cozy air can easily and quickly escape if the damper isn’t shut. The damper is usually easy to reach, and once the fire is out, you can close the damper and keep that lovely warm air inside the home.
8. Have a Fireplace Installed
If you don’t have a fireplace, you can have one installed or opt for a gas or portable one. Fireplaces are perfect for warming up the bedroom or living room. In fact, it warms up the area, and sometimes, if the property is small, the warm air will spread throughout the section. Using a fireplace will greatly cut the cost of having to use electricity for your furnace or another heating system at home. However, ensure your fireplace is maintained regularly, especially if it hasn’t been used in a long time.
Now that you have these tips for saving on your utility bill costs, you can start enjoying more without that energy expense hike at the end of each month.
