4 Ways to Reduce Your Monthly HVAC Costs

Are you worried about your constantly increasing monthly HVAC costs? You have come to the right place. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that heating and cooling account for about 48 percent of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expenditure for most American families. Sadly, if your HVAC system and your home are not designed to be energy-efficient, you may have to pay your utility company more than what you should. Thankfully, there are simple tweaks and adjustments you can do to minimize your monthly utility costs.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your friendly HVAC company in Grant MN that strives to help you create a more energy-efficient home environment.

Below are uncomplicated ways you can take to cut your HVAC costs at home.

Use your thermostat wisely.

Regardless of the season, try to keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature (like 68 degrees) since your body has its way of adjusting to the new settings, anyway. According to the Department of Energy, by setting the thermostat 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for up to eight hours per day, you can save as much as 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling expenses. That’s a fairly considerable amount, which you can use for other household costs.

If you’re still using a traditional thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable, or better yet, a smart thermostat. A programmable unit allows you to adjust the times you turn on your HVAC system to a predetermined schedule. On the other hand, a smart thermostat can learn your heating and cooling patterns and make the necessary adjustments automatically. This high-tech device can also provide you with energy reports to let you know how much energy you have consumed in a given period of time. This gives you a window to modify your heating or cooling habits in order to minimize your energy use.

Manage your windows.

Most homeowners fail to consider that their windows can actually help make their homes more comfortable throughout the year, especially if they have the right coverings. During winter, adding thick curtains to your room can lower your heating costs by as much as 10 percent, as estimated by the Department of Energy. Also, you can open your drapes or blinds on the south side of your home to bring the heat into your house. Be sure to keep your windows free from trees in the winter to avoid blocking sunlight.

Use ceiling fans alongside your HVAC system.

Ceiling fans offer a myriad of benefits to your home, but perhaps the most important one is that they help to distribute the heated air throughout the home. This is a more economical way to improve your comfort because ceiling fans can help lower your electric bill by up to 30 to 40 percent. For more savings, invest in Energy Star-approved ceiling fans, which are up to 60 percent more efficient than conventional fans.

Replace your filters regularly.

They may be one of the easiest HVAC components to manage, but filters can sometimes get neglected only to be remembered when the entire HVAC system had failed. Fine dust and dirt particles gather in the furnace’s heat exchanger, blocking the airflow. The same is true for air conditioner coils. If the airflow is compromised, the system will run longer to provide the set temperature. This means more energy is used in the process, higher utility costs, shortened equipment lifespan, and the premature need for replacement.

Designed to protect your system from dirt and dust buildup, your air filters need to be replaced at least once a month to ensure the system has sufficient airflow.

Be sure to use the manufacturer’s recommended minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) filter in order for your system to be better protected from dust, dirt, wear and tear. This also ensures longer lasting reliable performance.

Questions? Ask the HVAC Pros

In addition to these four easy steps, consider investing in annual HVAC maintenance, where a qualified professional will clean your entire HVAC system, make the necessary adjustments, and inspect the unit for possible issues before they become real problems. Call Four Seasons Air Specialists, your reliable Mahtomedi heating and air conditioning company today.