7 Proven Ways to Save on Energy Bills in the Winter
Colorado can get pretty chilly during the winter months, with a median daily high of less than 53°for the Mile High City. This drop in mercury is almost always synonymous with spiked energy bills, which could dent your wallet. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA), utility firms and energy experts are predicting a 17% increase in the national cost of heating homes this winter. That said, it’s time to start thinking about ways to save on your energy bill before the cold sets in. Engage with us further to discover how.
1. Cover and Maintain Your Water Heater
For the majority of individuals, having the water heater set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit will be more than sufficient. However, you could install an insulating blanket over your water heater to save even more on energy bills. This retains so much heat, and the heating element doesn’t have to work as hard.
A water heater may efficiently run for years without being replaced with proper maintenance. An increase in your monthly energy bill may signal a failing component of your water heater. However, saving money on your next energy bill may be as simple as calling our skilled water heater technicians to inspect your unit and determine whether the issue is a faulty pressure relief valve or an overflow pipe. We can also install a new tankless water heater if you prefer. These demand-type water heaters can save you up to 34% on energy costs, according to Energy.gov.
2. Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance
News Energy Sage reports that a typical electric furnace utilizes between 10 and 50 kilowatts of power. Most electric heaters will use 26 kilowatt hours per day, or 182 kilowatt hours per week. The average monthly cost of operating an electric furnace is $37.42, and the average annual cost is $449. That said, an improperly installed or maintained furnace will cost more to operate each month than a comparable one that is in good working order.
One of the simplest things you can do to keep your furnace running smoothly and economically is to maintain enough airflow. This may be achieved by routinely cleaning or replacing the filters. Note that it’s best to use HEPA filters, as these are the most energy-efficient filter type. Our qualified professionals will gladly lend a hand in this matter. Remember that a yearly check-up by a competent HVAC technician can ensure that your furnace is operating at peak efficiency. If you need a new energy efficient furnace installed, no worries, as we specialize in installing appropriately sized AFUE energy-efficient furnaces too.
3. Modify Your Thermostat Temperature
Changing your thermostat’s temperature is one of the easiest things you can do to save money on your power bill. If you turn your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day, you may save on your heating and cooling expenditures by as much as 10%, says the U.S. Department of Energy.
What this means is to adjust the temperature so that it is somewhat higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Simply adjusting the temperature on your thermostat while you’re gone can accomplish this.
4. Switch to Smart Technology
Smart thermostats, for instance, allow you to program automatic temperature changes at certain times of the day. We install smart thermostats like Nest as a Nest Pro contractor. Nest familiarizes itself with your routine and temperature preferences. Make adjustments to Nest when the temperature is not ideal for you; after a few days, you won’t even need to do that. When it detects there is no one at home, the automatic away feature will start working. It also shows you how much energy you’re using and what may have contributed to that increase, making it an invaluable energy-saving tool.
5. Have Your Heating System Cleaned
Cleaning the heating system’s ducts and filters is a less expensive alternative to a complete replacement if that’s not in your budget. Changing the filters on a regular basis is essential to the operation of any HVAC system. While smaller systems may only get 6 to 9 months out of a single filter change, bigger ones may run a year or more.
You may extend the life of your system and improve its performance by replacing the filters on a regular basis. It will be worthwhile to have a professional inspect your duct system as well. Expert service is needed to repair duct leaks, but the annual savings might be in the hundreds. Our trained technicians can take care of all of this for you.
6. Ensure That Your Home’s Appliances Are Regularly Serviced
Spending money in order to save it is a reality. That, at least, may be the case while attempting to reduce one’s heating costs. According to Real Simple, HomeAdvisor’s resident expert, Dan DiClerico, suggests having a professional evaluate your furnace once a year.
7. Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
Converting to eco-friendly HVAC systems is another option. Although there may be up-front expenses associated with installation, there are long-term benefits, like a reduced energy bill, for instance.
Contact us today so one of our professional technicians can upgrade or install a more energy-efficient HVAC system, like a ductless one, for you.