A Few Tips to Help You Save
Ah, October! Time for cooler weather, falling leaves, bonfires, and of course all those scary characters that start to show up during this season: jack-o’-lanterns, ghosts and goblins, the mailman.
The mailman?
If your gas and electric bills are frighteningly high, the mailman can be a spooky visitor, delivering real-life tales of terror. Before you and your neighbors break out the pitchforks and torches, check out these simple and effective ways to reduce your utility costs while conserving energy and resources:
PREVENTION NOW MEANS MONEY SAVED LATER
Have your heating and cooling system inspected annually by a reputable, licensed HVAC professional. A thorough checkup will ensure that everything is in good working order and will identify any issues that could potentially become problems later on. Repairs that need to be done during extreme weather can be particularly costly.
THE SIMPLE THINGS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT
Keep furnaces and air conditioning units working effectively by checking filters monthly when in use and replacing them on a regular basis. Dirty filters not only decrease the performance of your appliances, they can also cause serious damage to them, resulting in hefty repair or replacement costs for you.
KEEP AIR FLOWING FREELY
Make sure that the air vents and ductwork are clear and not blocked by furniture, drapes, carpeting, etc. When these outlets are prevented from allowing hot or cool air to circulate your HVAC system is forced to work harder to do its job, resulting in greater energy usage.
FILL YOUR HOME WITH STARS
Choose HVAC systems and appliances that carry the Energy Star label. In 1991 the United States government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed a list of strict, environmentally-friendly criteria for energy-efficient home and office appliances and equipment. This includes furnaces, central air conditioners, Smart thermostats, and more. On average, as much as 50% of a home’s energy is used by its heating and cooling system. Choosing – or switching to – Energy Star certified products can make a significant difference in the amount of energy used in your home, which translates into lower utility bills for you.
KEEP THE WEATHER OUTSIDE WHERE IT BELONGS
Using the correct window coverings can help your HVAC system to work less, saving energy and money. Lined drapes keep out heat and the sun’s rays in the summertime and cold air from frigid outdoor conditions in the winter. They provide an added layer of insulation to keep the comfortable conditions inside and the undesirable ones out.
LET YOUR APPLIANCES DO THE WORK FOR YOU
Invest in a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust temperature settings. They work during the day and at night whether you are at home or not, so there is no worry of forgetting to manually reset the temperature. These handy little gadgets can cut your energy costs by as much as $100 annually with little or no effort on your part. Just install it, set it, and forget it.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Along with these handy HVAC-related tips on saving money and resources, here are a few more tricks for cutting costs and reducing your bills even more:
- • Replace old, outdated incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. These more modern bulbs use approximately 25% less energy than incandescent bulbs and they have a life span of up to 12x that of incandescents.
- • Survey your home top to bottom inside and out and use caulk to seal any cracks and small openings where drafts can creep in. Use weatherproofing kits (sold in hardware stores and most department stores) to cover drafty windows and unused doors with plastic sheeting.
- • Install motion detectors and timers in your home to automatically shut off lights when they are not in use. Plug entertainment systems (TVs, video game consoles, stereos) into a power strip so they can be conveniently turned on or off as needed with the flip of a switch. Computers and monitors should also be turned off when not in use for extended periods of time.
- • Set your hot water heater’s thermostat no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Take some time to try out even lower temperature settings to discover the lowest temperature you and your family can comfortable use. The lower the setting, the less energy used and the more money saved.
LET PICKERINGTON HEATING AND COOLING TAKE THE TERROR OUT OF YOUR ELECTRIC AND GAS BILLS
For even more helpful tips on saving money and energy contact Pickerington Heating and Cooling at 614-837-4026. Our skilled professionals are fully trained and ready to meet all your HVAC needs, including same-day service on existing HVAC equipment. You’ll always receive the highest quality service from Pickerington Heating and Cooling, complete with a handshake and a friendly smile. Call us today with any questions or for an appointment, or use our convenient online scheduling at www.pickheat.com.
