In recent years, we have seen an unprecedented increase in the cost of energy that has affected every aspect of our home and working life. The most expensive home energy costs are related to our heating and cooling needs. So, any improvements that we can make in this area can translate into significant energy savings that can really add up. In this article, we will take a closer look at four ways that you can reduce your utility bills without compromising your indoor comfort.
1. Update to a High-Efficiency HVAC System
This may seem like a drastic suggestion, after all, isn’t this article supposed to help people save money? Although it is true that a new HVAC system will represent a significant investment, there are significant energy savings that can be made. In many cases, the purchasing and installation costs of new heating and cooling equipment can be quickly recouped in the form of energy savings. This is especially true if the homeowner installs a high-efficiency system that can perform better and use less energy.
The HVAC industry is constantly innovating and evolving to produce heating and cooling systems with improved performance and energy efficiency. The usual age range for a HVAC system is 10-20 years with 15 years being the average. So, many people that have a system that is coming to the end of its useful lifespan may have already missed out on a decade and half of technological advancements.
After a new HVAC system is installed, it will inevitably lose energy efficiency every year. This cannot be reversed, but it is possible to retain a lot of the efficiency with regularly scheduled preventive maintenance. This is why some HVAC systems last longer than others and well maintained equipment is likely to be at the upper end of the 10-20 lifespan. But, sooner or later the frequency of repairs, lack of performance and poor energy efficiency will be impossible to ignore. So, if you have a HVAC system that is coming to the end of its lifespan, it’s a good idea to consider a replacement. Holding on to aging heating and cooling equipment will incur significant repair and running costs.
2. Sleep With the Windows Closed
Most people prefer a cooler sleeping temperature and studies have shown that these conditions are conducive to a good night’s rest. For this reason, it’s tempting to sleep with the windows open when the weather is mild and this is a sound strategy. But, if you do open the windows at night, it’s important to turn off the HVAC system. Many people forget to do this and they pay energy bills to treat air that is then wasted as it flies out of the open window. This is a great way to spend a lot of money on energy for no reward and to overwork the HVAC system and cause component failures.
Another key consideration is that a mild evening can turn much colder after you fall asleep. This may be hard to notice if you’re under covers and warm. The downside is that in the morning if you want to warm up the home, it will be harder to bring it up to the desired temperature. If you want to focus on saving energy it’s a better idea to keep the windows closed at night and avoid running the HVAC system or set it to run before bed and after you wake up. It is important to draw fresh air into the home from time to time, but the best time to do this is when the sun is up and the temperatures are more stable.
3. Invest in Preventative Maintenance
Many people ignore their HVAC systems until something goes wrong and this is not the right way to get the best out of the system. It’s a better idea to adopt a proactive approach and to get the system inspected and maintained regularly. Ideally, this should be a few weeks before the start of the heating and cooling season. Joining a maintenance program is the best way to save money and get a reminder when it’s time to get the equipment serviced.
Investing in HVAC maintenance may seem like a waste of time and money. But, the exact opposite is true because well maintained systems perform better and they use less energy. As an added bonus, an HVAC technician can detect minor issues before they develop into larger problems that can be more expensive to fix. If your HVAC system is regularly maintained, it is less likely to fail when you need it most. Finally, a HVAC system that is well cared for tends to last longer which means that you can get a better return on your initial HVAC investment. When you consider these benefits regular professional HVAC servicing starts to look like a real bargain and it is.
4. Adding Insulation
The best thing about insulation is that it’s a totally passive way to improve the performance of a HVAC system without spending money on energy. Most homes have some insulation, but it’s likely that more is required and an energy audit can confirm this. If there are adequate levels of insulation the HVAC system doesn’t need to work as hard to match the temperature set on the thermostat. This reduces the energy bills and it lowers the workload of the equipment which reduces the risk of component failure too.
Another key aspect of insulation that many people overlook is the air gaps that can form around doors and windows. Even a small gap is a vector that treated air can use to escape and this is wasted energy. There may be gaps in ductwork, attic spaces and the basement that need to be sealed too. Adding some weather-stripping or caulk to these areas can lower the energy bills.
If you want to schedule some essential maintenance for your home or you need to explore ways to lower your heating and cooling bills, contact your local HVAC specialist.