Did you know that heating and cooling costs make up around half, if not more, of your utility bills? No one wants to endure a summer or winter without the help of their HVAC system, so how can you stay comfortable without a panic-inducing bill each month?
- Adjust. Turning your thermostat up one degree in the summer, and down one degree in the winter, can save enough energy in one month to power your home for one day!
- Upgrade. A high efficiency furnace can cut about 35% of your fuel usage. This translates to possible savings of up to 25% a year in heating costs.
- Think seasonally. In the winter, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable when you are home (68 degrees is the recommended temperature), and when you are gone or sleeping turn the thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees . In the summer, keep your home warmer when you were away, and when you are home avoid using the stove, oven and dishwasher on extremely hot days.
- Check windows and doors. Up to 30% of your home’s heating and cooling costs can be lost through windows and doors that are improperly sealed or fitted. Weatherstripping can save you around $150 per year.
- Add insulation. If your current insulation is less that R-30, you could benefit from adding more. This can save 5% of energy costs each year, adding up to between $20 and $70.
- Consider an update. New thermostat models are programmable, meaning they more easily and efficiently regulate your home’s energy use and temperature. Many also have a feature that allows you to access the thermostat from your smartphone or tablet.
Courtesy of Direct Energy
