So you just got your electric or gas bill, and you’ve got sticker shock. What now? There are so many factors that go into how much you’re paying for heating and cooling, such as the age of your home, how warm or cold you like to keep it, how much your natural gas provider charges and the age and size of your HVAC system, just to name a few. Some of the factors are out of your control, but there are many steps you can take to improve the efficiency of your equipment and reduce heating and cooling costs. Let’s take a look!
Don’t Waste Valuable Heat or Air Conditioning
Adjust your thermostat
a few degrees above or below your desired temperature (depending on the season) before you leave the house since no one will be home to enjoy the valuable AC or heat.
Seal doors and windows
using caulk, weatherstripping and/or door sweeps. These are all relatively easy DIY projects, and supplies can be purchased at your local hardware store.
Keep doors and windows locked
at all times for a tighter seal to stop drafts and leaks.
Use Alternative Heating and Cooling Methods
Be mindful of the sunlight
and its ability to heat your house. Keep blinds and curtains open to allow the sun to heat your home, or close curtains to keep heat out.
Heat and cool the old fashioned way
by opening up the windows and enjoying the breeze when it’s not too hot outside, or by starting a fire in your fireplace to get toasty in the winter.
Stick to a Schedule
Keep up on HVAC maintenance
by signing up for the Jennings Rewards Club, which gets you two annual 15 point maintenance inspections with easy-to-understand reports and a whole house safety inspection.
Change your filters
roughly every three months for a more efficient furnace and air conditioner. FIlters should be changed more frequently if you have pets or allergies.
Consider Home Upgrades
Beyond the simple changes and fixes to keep energy costs low, there are some larger changes you can make that will really make an impact. If you live in an older home with original windows and doors, these are likely a huge source of heat and AC loss. We’ve already discussed steps you can take like installing new weatherstripping and door sweeps, but sometimes those measures don’t do much for very old homes.
It might be time to consider investing in new windows, a new roof or a new furnace or AC depending on the age of each of these items which all play an important role in energy costs.
Talk to Us About Improving the Efficiency of Your HVAC System
By signing up for our Rewards Club, you’ll get annual preventative maintenance and safety checks to ensure your equipment is running efficiently. In addition, if you suspect that it may be time for a new furnace or air conditioning unit, we’d be happy to assess your current equipment and talk through options with you. Contact us today to request an appointment!
