Money Saving Tips for Heating & Air Conditioning Systems in Winter
Winter temperatures might force you to use your heating and air conditioning system more often. However, it can be costly because regular maintenance of these systems isn't cheap. For example, you may need to change filters or clean coils every time you turn off the thermostat. How then can you save money on energy bills without compromising comfort levels?
The average home spends around $1,500 annually on heating and air conditioning services. If you live in a colder area, your costs per month could be even higher. So how can you lower your winter expenses? Try some of our suggestions below:
1) Check to ensure windows are closed tight before freezing temperatures. If they're not, open them wide to let in some airflow. Windows that don't close properly trap cold air inside the home and can cause pipes to freeze if water freezes first, causing damage to plumbing systems.
2) Make sure your furnace's filter is clean and dry, especially around filters for the central heating system. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
3) Keep fans running throughout the house. Fans help warm rooms quicker while dehumidifiers draw moisture out of the air keeping it from condensing on surfaces.
4) Turn off lights after using them. Lightbulbs release heat and power use. Leaving them on draws added electricity and overheats homes. When switching off fixtures at night, turn off lights immediately rather than leaving them on low-light bulbs. Switching off CFL bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps) saves over 70% of their energy consumption compared to incandescent bulbs.
5) Shut down unused appliances. You may think turning things back on in the morning will save money, but it doesn't. For example, a refrigerator, freezer, or washing machine uses about 40 watts per hour, while a TV only operates between 5-15 watts. So even though you're saving energy by turning appliances off, you lose money.
6) Clean out your ductwork regularly to prevent clogs. Dust accumulates in ductwork and blocks airflow. While cleaning ducts yourself is a good idea, hiring professionals is always cheaper.
7) Insulate hot water tanks and faucets to keep pipes from freezing. It is particularly important in colder climates.
8) Use a programmable thermostat to save money on utility bills. Set the temperature according to time of day and weather conditions.
9) Add an air conditioner to your home to reduce cooling costs. Most homeowners spend at least 10 percent of their monthly budget on cooling systems. Consider adding solar panels to your roof to offset the cost of air conditioning.
10) Invest in high-efficiency furnaces and energy-efficient air conditioning units. These models have improved efficiencies and lower operating costs.
11) Replace old appliances. Old appliances consume more energy and create more pollution than newer ones do.
12) Install automatic timers on appliances to turn them on when you're away and turn them off when you return.
13) Be aware of how much power your devices use. For example, TVs, computers, game consoles, printers, etc., use 20-30 watt-hours per hour. Take note of these numbers and try to reduce the number of electrical devices plugged into your household circuit.
14) If possible, install motion sensors to shut off lighting automatically. Sensors work by detecting movement in a room and automatically triggering the switch off the lights.
There are several ways to save on heating or cooling systems during winter. Above’s tips can help you save money and energy, which makes the winter months much more comfortable!
