July 30, 2022
With prices on nearly everything continuing to rise, families are looking to save money any way they can! One way is to take a closer look at your home’s energy efficiency and see if there are things you can do to help you save some money on your utility bills. WK Mechanical wants to help so we have put together some of our top thoughts on Energy Efficiency!
First, it’s important to make education about HVAC energy efficiency a priority
Learn about ways you can consume less energy. The first step is to get everyone in your family thinking about energy use. Have a family meeting and talk about the benefits of turning lights off and turning thermostats up. You may still have to remind your kids on a daily basis but getting everyone involved in the conversation is a great first step toward energy efficiency!
Next, change your air filters
I know this is something you hear from us A LOT, but the truth is, blocked air filters lead to HVAC energy efficiency issues. When a filter is clogged, your equipment runs longer and uses more energy to do its job. When the filter clogs, dust can collect on fan blades and other motor parts, slowing the unit down and wasting electricity.
It’s a good idea to make small adjustments to your thermostat
Most people won’t even notice a temperature change within two or three degrees Fahrenheit. Setting your thermostat two degrees higher in the summer and two degrees lower in the winter will save you quite a bit and increase your HVAC energy efficiency.
An HVAC system set at 75 degrees will use 18% MORE energy than one set at 78 degrees.
You can save even more when you utilize a programmable thermostat! You can make more dramatic adjustments to the temperature when no one is home which will lead to even more savings!
Consider Replacing Old Heating And Cooling Systems
If your house has an air conditioning system that’s more than 12 years old, it’s using 30% more electricity to cool the home than a newer system would use. The same is true for heat pumps over 12 years old or furnaces that are more than 25 years old. While you might not want to front the costs of replacing a new heating or cooling system, it will lower your monthly expenses and save you in the long run. Replacing your system could mean doubling or tripling your investment, so it’s worth some consideration.
Finally, be vigilant about maintenance!
Regular maintenance keeps your equipment running efficiently to maximize efficiency. Schedule regular appointments for seasonal maintenance not only will you save money on your utility bills, if you have an older system, you’ll avoid the need for lump-sum costs of expensive repairs.
If are interested in talking to someone about the energy efficiency in your home, give us a call. We can help you learn more about HVAC maintenance, replacing an older system, programmable thermostats and more! A member of our team will be standing by to help you in any way we can!
