As a homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to save money. On average, the annual cost of utilities in the US is $3,070. One way to do that is by conserving energy in your home. This not only lowers your utility bills but also helps to decrease your carbon footprint.
There are many ways to conserve energy at home, but one of the best ways is to ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently.
Ways to save energy at home
You can do a few things to conserve energy around your home and avoid wasting money on your utility bills. Some of the most effective ways to save energy include:
- Adjust the thermostat – Saving energy at home is as simple as setting the thermostat a few degrees lower during the cooler months and a few degrees higher during the warmer months. The less you adjust your thermostat, the more you can save. It’s estimated that you can save roughly ten percent annually.
- Educate your family about conserving energy – Make sure that everyone in your household knows about your home energy-saving efforts and what they can do to help save money on your utility bills. Many times, raising awareness about conserving energy is enough to get everyone on board with making small changes that can have a significant impact.
- Educate yourself on how your HVAC system works – Part of conserving energy is understanding how your HVAC system works. The more you know how it works, the better you will be able to maintain it and ensure it is running efficiently. Plenty of resources are available online and in libraries to help you learn more about your HVAC system.
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances – If it’s time to replace an old appliance, look for an Energy Star-certified model. Newer appliances use less electricity, which will help lower your utility bills each month. This is especially true for bigger machines like your AC unit, furnace, washer/dryer, and dishwasher.
- Implement energy-saving home improvements – Ensuring your home is well insulated will help keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in the summer. This means your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, which will save you money on your energy bills.
HVAC maintenance is key
Your HVAC system is one of your home's biggest consumers of energy. As such, it’s important to ensure that your HVAC system runs efficiently. One of the best ways to do this is by having regular maintenance performed on your system by a licensed HVAC technician.
During a maintenance visit, the technician will clean all the components of your system and make any necessary repairs. This will help ensure that your system runs as efficiently as possible and does not waste any energy. Being proactive about repairing any issues with your HVAC system can help avoid more costly repairs down the road.