Most home energy bills are getting more expensive over time. If you want to experience home home energy savings, there are a number of tricks you can try, ranging from improving your home’s insulation, to calling in a contractor to perform AC repair.
Home Energy Savings Through Proper Insulation
Your home’s insulation creates a better boundary between your home’s interior climate and the out-of-doors. Insulation works to prevent cool air leaking in summer, and warm air in winter, so your home is easy to heat and cool year-round.
There are many ways to improve your home’s insulation which can give home energy bill benefits. Adding insulation in your attic, for instance, will reduce heat loss through your roof. Replacing windows with more energy-efficient models, such as double-pane windows, will further insulate your house. And in a pinch, you can use caulk or window plastic to cut down on drafts during winter.
Thermostat
Many people don’t set their thermostat with an eye toward energy efficiency. In general, your home should be no warmer than 68 degrees in winter, and in summer you can bump up the temperature to anywhere between 72 and 75 degrees, depending on your heat tolerance. If you find yourself growing too warm or cold, you can put on or take off clothes. Ceiling fans also help circulate air in both summer and winter.
Keep in mind, too, that you don’t necessarily need to regulate your home’s temperature while you’re gone. If you have a programmable thermostat, have it adjust your house’s temperature while you’re gone. You can even set it to lower (or raise) the temperature to something more to your liking, shortly before you come home.
AC Repair and Service
AC repair and maintenance are both easy ways to cut your home’s energy bills. As your AC unit continues to work, it will often grow more inefficient over time. This be as simple as a filter clogging with dust or other detritus, or it can involve a more complicated fix, such as when a motor is beginning to burn out. If these problems persist, your unit may be permanently damaged, creating a need for AC repair or even replacement.
Let Valley Comfort Heating and Air conditioning professionals set you on the right track. Bringing in a specialist to perform AC repair or maintenance is one of the best ways to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner and reduce your energy bills. In general, you should have your AC serviced 2-4 times each year.
Having a professional service your unit may seem like a big expense, but it’s actually an investment. In addition to keeping your unit running at maximal efficiency, the contractor will be able to catch potential problems with your unit before they arise. This can save you an even more expensive AC repair bill in the future.
Conclusion
As a homeowner, you have several options to cut your energy bills. In addition to simple solutions like adding insulation or programming your thermostat, you can also call in an HVAC contractor to perform AC repair and service. By servicing your unit regularly, you won’t just cut down on energy bills — you’ll prevent costly AC repair later in your unit’s life. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does insulation impact home energy savings?
Proper insulation helps maintain your home’s internal temperature by preventing heat loss in winter and cool air escape in summer, reducing energy use.
2. What areas should I focus on to improve insulation?
Start with adding insulation in your attic, upgrading windows to energy-efficient double panes, and sealing gaps with caulk or window plastic to stop drafts.
3. What’s the ideal thermostat setting for energy savings?
In winter, set it to 68°F, and in summer, aim for 72–75°F. Use a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures when you’re not home.
4. How can ceiling fans help reduce energy costs?
Ceiling fans help circulate air, allowing you to set your thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter while staying comfortable.
5. Should I adjust my thermostat when I’m not home?
Yes, using a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures when you’re away can reduce energy consumption and save money.
6. How often should I have my AC unit serviced?
You should service your AC 2-4 times a year to maintain optimal efficiency and prevent costly repairs.
7. How does AC repair impact energy bills?
Regular AC maintenance and repair keep the unit running efficiently, reducing energy waste and lowering your bills.
8. What are common signs my AC needs repair?
Clogged filters, reduced cooling, and unusual noises may indicate your AC needs maintenance or repair to avoid permanent damage.
9. Is AC maintenance worth the cost?
Yes, regular maintenance is an investment that improves efficiency and helps catch problems early, preventing more expensive repairs later.
10. Can professional AC service really lower energy bills?
Absolutely! A well-maintained AC runs more efficiently, cutting down energy use and lowering your bills in the long term.