How to Manage Your Heating Bills as the Weather Cools
It’s never a bad idea to look for ways to cut costs. With winter just around the corner, wouldn’t you like to have a little extra money set aside for that tropical vacation you’re planning? Or maybe you’re looking to save some extra money for the holidays. If so, you’ll want to start by trimming the cost of some of your largest expenses.
According to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling costs account for roughly half of the energy use in an average home, making it the most costly energy expense for homeowners. At Entek, heating and cooling is our specialty. Let us walk you through our top tips for maximizing your HVAC energy efficiency.
If you need to update your heating system, you’ll definitely want to consider investing in a modern, energy-efficient model. This is the best way to reduce your heating costs. You should consider replacing your furnace if it’s more than ten years old. When upgrading, look for a heating system that carries the Energy Star label. Energy Star products maximize HVAC energy efficiency, reducing the cost of your utility bill while also protecting the environment against climate change. If you’re uncertain about the energy efficiency of your current HVAC system, contact one of our technicians for a home performance energy test.
If you’re going to take the time to invest in a new HVAC system, you’ll want to make sure it’s properly installed. Did you know that about half of all HVAC systems aren’t installed correctly? In order to save money, you’ll want to contact a certified technician to properly install your new heating system. This will ensure that the system is operating at its maximum performance level and that you’re seeing maximum cost savings as a result.
In addition to upgrading your heating system, there are a number of additional steps you can take to optimize your HVAC energy efficiency. One great way to increase your energy savings is by air sealing or insulating your home. On average, this can save homeowners up to $200 a year. Since insulating your home can be difficult to do on your own, we recommend contacting one of our expert technicians to ensure the work is properly done. With your increased energy savings over time, the cost of the home visit will essentially pay for itself.
In addition to insulating your home, you’ll also want to make sure your HVAC system is properly maintained. Regular appointments are necessary for a number of reasons. In addition to increasing HVAC energy efficiency, a certified technician will ensure that your system is in working order and that there are no fire hazards present. In order to minimize your risk of health problems and increase your family’s safety, make sure you have a trained professional inspect your unit on an annual basis.
You’ll also want a qualified technician to perform duct cleaning and sealing services. At Entek, we’ve perfected our performance of these services through technology that we had in place long before any of our area competitors. In addition, we’ve found that homeowners save 20% to 40% on their utility costs through Entek duct cleaning and sealing.
So what is this technology Entek uses and how much will it actually save you? Entek employs a technology known as AEROSEAL. After sealing your ducts, our expert technicians will be able to provide you a test report verifying that your ducts have been sealed up to 95%.
Since we have been using this technology longer than any of our competitors, we have perfected the process. In just a few short hours, we’ll be able to maximize your home’s HVAC energy efficiency. To learn more, read this article here.
We also offer ductless heating options and are considered leading experts in ductless technology. It’s one of the most effective heating options and operates with super efficiency. Give us a call to determine which heating system is the right fit for you.
In addition to having regular maintenance inspections performed by a certified technician like those at Entek, you’ll want to regularly change your HVAC system’s air filters. Not only will dirty air filters compromise your HVAC energy efficiency, they will also shorten the lifespan of your equipment. To ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck, you should replace your air filter once a month. Our expert technicians will be happy to show you how to do this on our next home visit.
Aside from upgrading your system and scheduling frequent maintenance checks, there are many inexpensive ways to increase your HVAC energy efficiency. One such way is investing in a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat helps you regulate the temperature in your home. You can use the pre-programmed settings or adjust them according to your family’s needs. This allows you to cut back on your heating at times when your family is away from home, translating into significant cost savings.
Homeowners save an average of $180 a year by using a programmable thermostat. With those savings, a quality programmable thermostat can pay for itself in a single year. If you opt to stick with a manual thermostat, however, here are some tips on how to cut costs as well.
Utility bills can be costly. We’re sure you’d rather be saving that money for fun family outings or a lavish expense instead. By investing your money wisely, you’ll be able to bank more money over time.
Smart decisions can lead to big payoffs and rewards, so let us help you save money without sacrificing comfort. You can schedule a service appointment so that you and your family won’t be left out in the cold come wintertime!
