If you’re like most homeowners you hate seeing your energy bills come in the mail in the summer and winter when you need to use the AC and heat to stay comfortable. While there isn’t much you can do about them unless you’re going to fully solar, you probably still hate giving up all that cash each billing cycle.
Instead of working more hours or just sucking it up, use these tips to help reduce your energy consumption. Some will cost you a little cash up front, but within a year, you’ll be saving a considerable amount of money.
Install Better Windows
One thing that most homeowners never think about in terms of saving money on their heating and cooling bills is their windows. After all, when it’s particularly hot or cold outside you probably leave them down all the time.
However, windows with double or triple panes and argon gas filled windows can keep more heat or air inside your home, making you use your central heat and AC a lot less. Window installation can be costly, but you’ll save money in the long run and your home will feel much more comfortable for you and your guests.
Use Outside Air Efficiently
In the summer you’ll find that evenings and very early mornings are cool enough to turn down the AC and open the windows for fresh air. You might also find late afternoon to be warm enough to improve the temperature of your home in the fall.
Make a routine of opening and closing windows at a certain time each day. Maximize the positive airflow when the temperature is right and make sure your windows are down and blinds or curtains are drawn when hot or cold air from outside would be problematic.
Get Heat and AC Inspections
When you have a central AC and heat system it can be easy to think that your system is going to do all the work for you. You do pay a fortune in heating and cooling bills after all, right? Unfortunately that isn’t always enough.
Make sure you get heating and AC inspections at least once per year to help your system run efficiently. You’ll also be able to cut down on heating and air conditioning repair bills through the year if your system stays properly maintained by a professional team.
