Here’s how to save electricity – and money – with your heating and cooling
As a homeowner, maybe the day you open the email from the power company isn’t your favorite day of the month.
But the good news is that there are steps you can take to shave some dollars off your power bill.
More than 40 percent of the average American’s monthly power bill is attributable to heating, ventilation and air conditioning in their home. That means anything you can do to help your HVAC system operate more efficiently will also help you chip away at that monthly cost.
Try these nine tips to cut your energy bill:
For homeowners who are looking to get the most out of the system they have now, Gulf Power and the University of Florida recommend these steps to save power, and therefore, money:
- Have your equipment checked by a qualified service provider before the next heating or cooling season begins.
- Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or warmer in the summer. Every degree below 78 increases cooling costs by 8 percent. In the winter, 68 degrees or cooler is the most efficient.
- Use ceiling fans to help create the feeling of cooler air (Think about the “wind chill” effect the weather forecasters tell us about every winter).
- Change or clean your air filter monthly. This easy, inexpensive step is probably one of the most overlooked ways to help your HVAC work better.
- Use kitchen and bathroom vents sparingly while the air conditioning is on.
- Install a programmable thermostat so that you can schedule exactly when your HVAC system operates. For example, you can program lower temperatures in winter when you are asleep or away from home.
- Inspect and clean the coils in both the indoor and outdoor units. Dirt buildup on the indoor coil is the single most common cause of poor efficiency.
- Schedule heat-generating activities, such as dishwashing, in the evening on hot days.
- Use effective shades for east and west windows.
If you are considering installing a new HVAC system, the University of Florida’s report said finding the best HVAC professional is key.
“The operating efficiency of a system relies on proper installation to achieve its performance rating,” according to the report.
“A skilled air conditioning contractor’s keys to obtaining the designed efficiency of a system in the field include: proper sizing of the system for the specific cooling load of the home; selection and proper installation of thermostats or controls; proper installation and commissioning of the system; a duct system designed to deliver the correct amount of conditioned air to each space within the building; and sealing and insulating all ductwork.”
With more than 44 years of experience, Pensacola Heating and Air is ready to help you make the right decisions about how to get the most use out of your energy dollars.
