While winters in Bryan-College Station tend to be warmer than in other parts of the country, this is still the time of year when you may see a spike in your HVAC bill as the home heating comes on. The right HVAC system can help you to ensure you don’t use more energy than needed — and thus don’t unnecessarily raise your bills. There are also steps that you as the homeowner can take to lower your HVAC bill in a practical way that still keeps your home comfortable, whether with the help of your HVAC contractor or on your own. While some of these tips are specific to winter, some make sense year round, because you want to enjoy lower HVAC bills year round.
Have a Preventative Maintenance Plan
The last thing you need, whether in the coldest days of winter or the hottest days of summer, is for your HVAC system to break down. Even if your HVAC system seems to be working fine, you may be surprised how those little, unseen problems could cost you. That’s why it’s important to perform regular maintenance and make sure everything’s still running smoothly. Check out Air Solution’s preventative maintenance plan to make sure that your HVAC system is regularly maintained and kept in good condition, so it’s ready for anything.
Boost Your Insulation
If your home feels drafty and uncomfortable during the winter, it might not be a failure on the part of your HVAC system. If you have an old home, it could be outdated or inadequate insulation. Consider finding out the kind of insulation you have and the shape it’s in, in case you need to update it. If your insulation is in good shape — or you don’t have the time and budget to get into the walls, make sure that windows and doors are properly sealed and the home is weatherstripped. Again, this isn’t a major priority to most Bryan-College Station homes, but we do have the occasional chilly days, and it’s good to be prepared.
Use Programmable or Smart Thermostats
Another option is to use programmable or smart thermostats so you can adjust your heating (and cooling in the summer) to be just what you need. Programmable thermostats have set programs so that your home can use less heating when you’re on vacation or at work and more when you’re actually home. WiFi thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature remotely. For instance, you can turn down the heat when you leave for the day and turn it back up remotely when you’re on your way home, ensuring that your home is warm and cozy by the time you arrive.
Install Fans
When temperatures pick up again in the summer, however, you’ll want to find ways to keep your air conditioning costs down. One tip that will help lighten your AC’s load is to install ceiling fans. These fans can cool the room without all the power of the air conditioner. While they don’t replace air conditioners, they can make the work the air conditioner has to do less. Installing a fan in the attic can be especially helpful, as it pulls the hot air from the home into the attic, leaving the rest of the house comfortable.
Looking for more ways to lower your HVAC bills? Contact Air Solutions in Bryan-College Station for more information on thermostats, preventative maintenance, and more.