Avoid Getting Pinched By High Utility Bills This Spring!
Everybody knows that old St. Patrick's Day tradition of pinching those who fail to wear green. It's all good fun, but most people wear a green garment or two just to avoid the painful pinches. And just as they dig through their wardrobe to find a scrap of green armor for the holiday, homeowners should avoid feeling the even more painful "pinch" of high utility bills this spring.
When reducing the monthly utility bill, there's no better place to start than the HVAC system. After all, this is the single biggest consumer of energy in virtually any home. So here are three easy tips to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their heating and cooling systems – not just in the spring but all year round!
Put the Ceiling Fans To Use
Ceiling fans are a great way to augment the HVAC system's heating and cooling power at a very low energy cost. During the warmer months, ceiling fans should be set to spin counterclockwise (when viewed from below). This will push air down and create a cooling breeze, allowing homeowners to raise the thermostat temperature by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.
In the colder seasons, the ceiling fan blades should be set to spin clockwise. On a low setting, this will help recirculate warm air that has risen and become trapped near the ceiling without creating a draft. By reclaiming warm air in this way, homeowners will give their heaters or furnaces a break from constantly producing heat.
No matter the season, adjusting the thermostat by even a few degrees can significantly impact the home's energy bills. So, reducing reliance on the HVAC system with the help of ceiling fans can lead to some serious savings!
Replace the HVAC Air Filters
One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve energy efficiency is to regularly change the HVAC air filters. A dirty air filter will impede airflow, causing the air handler to work harder than normal to meet the thermostat's demands. Not only does this increase energy consumption, but it also contributes to wear and tear on the unit.
By replacing the AC filter or furnace filter (depending on which system is currently in use), homeowners will save money on energy bills and HVAC repair and replacement costs over the long term. The general recommendation for air filter replacement is every three months. Still, it may be wise to replace filters more frequently if the home is particularly dusty, contains multiple pets, or if anyone in the home has allergies or other respiratory issues.
Invest In a Smart Thermostat
If homeowners wish to take their energy efficiency to the next level, they should consider installing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats have features specifically designed to improve efficiency and reduce utility bills. One feature common to all smart thermostats is that they can be controlled remotely via a smartphone, tablet, or computer – so homeowners can adjust or turn off their HVAC system from work or even when they're vacationing halfway around the world.
Many smart thermostats track usage patterns and make suggestions or automatic adjustments to improve energy efficiency. Some have occupancy sensors that help avoid heating or cooling an empty home. Others use geofencing technology to detect when homeowners are headed home and prepare the home's temperature for arrival.
These are just a few ways that smart thermostats can help reduce energy costs with minimal effort on the part of homeowners. Considering the potential savings (anywhere from 8-15% depending on the model) and convenience, smart thermostat installation is an excellent investment for those looking to save money on heating and cooling costs – especially when combined with the other tips mentioned above!
About Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc
Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc. has been serving Seaside and the surrounding communities since 1991. Their focus on exceptional workmanship and customer service has earned them numerous 5-star reviews and awards, including Nextdoor's Neighborhood Favorite Award several years in a row. They offer competitive up-front pricing, flexible financing, membership perks, 24-hour emergency service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee – so there's no one better to call for HVAC services in Seaside, CA!
