How To Save More Money for Holiday Gifts Using the HVAC System
The holidays are right around the corner, so it’s time to start gift shopping. Unfortunately, economic woes and rising prices force many families to tighten their belts and watch their budgets closely. But that shouldn’t mean they can’t spread a little holiday cheer this year!
Although it may come as a surprise, homeowners can free up a significant amount of extra spending money for gifts simply by reducing their energy usage - and it’s easier than it might seem. This article will outline three tips to help homeowners save on electric bills this holiday season - all using their HVAC system!
Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
The first tip for a lower electric bill is upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. If the home has an old analog thermostat that has to be adjusted manually, even switching to a simple programmable thermostat can make a massive difference in energy efficiency. This is because homeowners can create a custom schedule that matches their habits, so they won’t have to manually adjust the thermostat before going to work or at bedtime. Not only is this more convenient, but it also helps prevent heating or cooling the house unnecessarily.
Smart thermostats take this idea to the next level with various additional features designed to improve efficiency. Some can track usage patterns, make energy-saving adjustments, or even come with occupancy sensors telling the system to turn off when no one is home. But even the simplest wifi thermostats allow homeowners to control the temperature remotely from their mobile devices, making forgetting to change the temperature before leaving on vacation a thing of the past!
Replace Air Filters On Time
The next tip for a more energy-efficient HVAC system is to change air filters before they get too dirty. When the air filter gets clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, the heater or AC must work harder to pull air through the filter. This will cause the system to consume more electricity (or gas/oil for fuel-burning furnaces) just to get the home to the desired temperature.
By replacing an air filter before it reaches this point, homeowners are helping their system operate at peak efficiency. So how do homeowners know when to change the filter? The general rule of thumb for the average household is to change the filter every three months, but if there are multiple pets in the home or any of the occupants have allergies or other respiratory sensitivities, more frequent changes may be necessary. Alternatively, homeowners can pull out their filter and hold it up to a light. If it’s so dirty that little to no light shines through, it’s time for an air filter replacement.
Keep Up With Routine Maintenance
The third way to reduce energy bills is by scheduling regular maintenance visits with a local HVAC company. Technicians perform a variety of tasks that help the unit perform at its peak efficiency, such as lubricating fan bearings, replacing worn or damaged components, testing the amperage draw of fan motors, cleaning and calibrating the thermostat to ensuring it’s reading temperatures correctly, and inspecting air ducts for leaks or clogs.
Without routine service visits from a professional, any HVAC system will begin to struggle as wear and tear take its toll - hindering efficiency and increasing the likelihood of a breakdown. So maintenance doesn’t just save on energy bills. It also saves on repair bills and early replacement costs! For most homes, having the AC serviced in the spring, and the heater serviced in the fall is the ideal maintenance schedule to maximize efficiency and keep the system running smoothly. In this way, maintenance is the gift that keeps on giving year-round!
About LenAire, Inc.
LenAire, Inc. has been Bossier City’s go-to HVAC contractor for over 30 years. Their clean, courteous, and trustworthy technicians always arrive on time in fully stocked trucks and treat every customer like family. As a BBB A+ rated business, they are proud to offer same-day service, free estimates, competitive up-front pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. They also offer a money-saving membership service plan, so call them today for heating and AC services in Bossier City, LA!
