10 Ways To Save On Your HVAC Bills This Summer

The Summer Heat is already in full swing here in Paducah and Western Kentucky. Here are 10 ways to help you keep the energy companies from bankrupting you this summer.

Use Fans

Fans are an excellent method to keep your home cool throughout the summer. Ceiling fans, plug-in fans, and even portable fans are excellent ways to enhance airflow in your house and lessen the stuffy feeling of heated air. If you have ceiling fans, configure them to rotate counterclockwise to provide greater cooling in your rooms. 

Cover Your Windows

Covering your windows with drapes and blinds is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to save money on your cooling bill this summer. Consider acquiring blackout curtains if your home has several large windows that aren't covered by trees. They help to keep sunlight from entering your home. While you will lose some natural light, your home will be more pleasant and your cooling bill will be lower as a result of this simple curtain upgrade. 

Invest In A Programmable Thermostate

A programmable thermostat is yet another excellent technique to beat the heat while keeping an eye on your electricity expenditure. These intelligent thermostats may be set up to accommodate your schedule and demands. A programmed thermostat can increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your HVAC system without requiring you to manually regulate your thermostat. Despite the upfront expense of programmable thermostats, you can anticipate long-term cost reductions on your electricity bill.

Refresh Sealant

Gaps around windows and doors can let cool air escape, which is money down the drain. We recommend that you inspect around your windows and doors to ensure they are free from any gaps or cracks that could allow air to leak out. If you do find any open spaces, make sure to reapply sealant to close off that space. While it may seem small, any opening can let cool air escape and lead to a steep hike in your energy bills.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Having regular HVAC maintenance is a great way to ensure your unit is running as efficiently as possible. During these appointments, a trained technician will assess your unit and make sure it is cooling and heating appropriately. HVAC maintenance is necessary, even if you don’t suspect any problems with your unit, because there are things a technician can identify that homeowners may not be aware of. At Carolina Comfort Air, we recommend that you have HVAC maintenance twice every year to ensure your unit is cooling and heating to the best of its ability. 

Limit Oven Usage

When possible, we recommend that you limit using your oven during the day throughout the summer. Ovens produce a lot of heat and can quickly heat up your home, causing your HVAC unit to work even harder to keep your home cool. If you want to cook during the day, consider grilling outside to keep your home as cool as possible. Plus, grilled food tastes delicious during the summer, so take advantage of this time to cook outdoors! 

Switch To Energy Star Appliances

If you’re looking to make a big dent in your energy bills this summer, consider switching to ENERGY STAR appliances. These appliances meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Household appliances from dishwashers to HVAC units can have an ENERGY STAR label, which means they have been proven to use significantly less energy than appliances without the label. 

Replace HVAC Filters

HVAC filters become dusty and clogged over time and must be updated every 90 days at the very least. However, if you use your HVAC system frequently throughout the summer, you may need to replace the filters sooner than 90 days. Air filters that are dirty or clogged might force your HVAC unit to work harder than necessary to cool your home. Clean filters promote greater airflow and a more comfortable living environment. 

Unplug Appliances

All plugged-in equipment use electricity, so unplug anything you aren't using to help save money on your electric bill. To assist lower your electricity bills, unplug everything from your toaster to video games while not in use. Large appliances, such as your washer and dryer, should not be unplugged, but you should be cautious of how frequently and when you use them. For example, to avoid excess heat in your home, wash and dry items in the evenings after the sun has set. 

HVAC Maintenance Can Ensure a Cool Summer

Take advantage of the spring months to get your HVAC system ready if you want to ensure a comfortable summer. The best method to ensure the optimal operation of your HVAC system and its long-term maintenance is to get it serviced in the spring. In the end, maintenance can increase the effectiveness of your system and reduce your costs!

Contact the Jett's team if you are a homeowner needing more HVAC advice or services. We can assist you in getting your HVAC system ready for the next hot months. Any questions you may have regarding upkeep, HVAC installation, and other topics can be addressed by our knowledgeable staff.