Ways To Reduce Your HVAC Energy Costs

No one likes being stuck with an astronomical energy bill every month.

However, high utility bills are par for the course when you have an HVAC system at home. Nearly half of your energy bill can be attributed to its use. Get it running full blast during the summer and winter, and you’ll have to prepare for even more prohibitive bills.

Thankfully, there are several ways to reduce your HVAC costs and lower your monthly bill.

Regular maintenance by HVAC technicians, for example, can help boost your HVAC system’s efficiency, which directly leads to savings.

Let’s take a look at some of your other options for lowering your HVAC system’s operational costs.

Get An Energy Audit Done

With an energy audit, you should be able to identify where your home or business is wasting energy.

The energy auditor will then make recommendations on how to make your HVAC system and your home in general more energy-efficient.

Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean

Your HVAC system’s outdoor unit is exposed to the elements and will attract dirt, fallen leaves, and all sorts of debris over time.

All that stuff could then gather around the coils of your outdoor unit and effectively compromise its efficiency.

Always keep your outdoor unit clean. You can do it the DIY way, or you can hire an HVAC technician for safe and thorough cleaning.

Replace HVAC Air Filters

The only reason dust, allergens, and pet dander don’t make it into your HVAC unit is the air filter.

Over time, however, your HVAC air filter will be covered in dust and debris, which will restrict airflow and force the HVAC unit to run longer—and therefore, use more power—to compensate.

To keep airflow optimal and your HVAC system efficient, replace your air filter every two months.

Keep Appliances Away From The Thermostat

Our appliances give off heat, from kitchen items like refrigerators to living room staples such as TVs.

As much as possible, keep these appliances away from the thermostat. The heat these appliances emit could trick the thermostat into thinking the room isn’t cool enough and force it to keep the HVAC system running longer.

Use Space Heaters

It would be nice to keep every corner of your home heated in the winter.

However, if only one area of your home is frequently in use, a space heater might be a less costly way of keeping warm.

Use Window Coverings

Curtain, drapes, blinds, and other window coverings can help lower your heating and cooling costs.

In winter, keep your window coverings open during the day, particularly on south-facing windows. That way, sunlight can make it inside and help keep everyone warm for free. Just remember to close them at night for added insulation.

Conversely, close your curtains, drapes, and blinds during summer days to keep the heat out.

Keep Ducts & Vents Clean

Dirty vents and ducts affect airflow, and you already know how poor airflow makes your HVAC unit less efficient. Keep your ducts and vents clean to improve airflow and your HVAC’s efficiency.

Dress Appropriately

Sometimes, something as simple as wearing the right clothes for the season is enough to help lower your energy bills.

To stay cool during the summer, wear cotton fabrics. When winter comes, put on sweaters, sweatpants, or any type of warm clothing even while indoors.

When you dress appropriately, you will no longer need to set your thermostat to the max, allowing you to save energy.

Use A Programmable Thermostat

With a smart thermostat, all you need to do is program it according to your preferences and schedule, and it will take care of the rest.

A programmable smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures when no one’s home, which is a big help if you want to lower your energy bills.

Start giving these HVAC energy conservation tips a try and see for yourself how effective they can be at reducing your energy bill, even for just a bit.

Guest Contributor: Sara Olsen

About the Author

Sara Olsen is the Content Marketing Manager of Emergency Air, Arizona’s premier HVAC repair and service company with NATE-certified technicians and the best HVAC service in the quickest time. When not writing articles, she makes the most of her time with her family and gives back to the community.