HVAC Management: How To Save Money This Winter
Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Tue, Nov 15, 2011 @ 09:30 AM
There are several ways to save money on your energy bills and sometimes the most effective ways to save money is with your HVAC system. The best way to manage your HVAC system and home this winter is to follow these tips that I have listed below:
1. Lower the temperature on your water heater
Heating the water in your home can take up to 25 percent of the average energy bill. If you lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 to 130 degrees you can save a lot of money this winter when heating your water!
2. Turn the thermostat down
You can save up to 4 percent on heating costs for every degree you lower your thermostat, according to the EPA. But the easiest way to save money with your thermostat is to buy a programmable thermostat. Set it and forget it!
3. Buy a programmable or smart thermostat
Like tip number 2 says, a programmable thermostat is the easiest and most effective way to save money with your HVAC system (without replacing an older HVAC system.) You can set the times and temperatures that you want and you don't have to change it every time you get home or leave. A smart thermostat gives you even more ways to save money. Lets say that you go on vacation and you forget to set back your thermostat. It will still run the set program, which means you are spending money to heat/cool your home while no one is there! With a smart thermostat you can remotely connect to it and set it to "vacation mode" or turn the unit off!
4. Turn ON the ceiling fan
Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so they are turning clockwise in order to pull cool air up and push warm air down. Believe me, this works!
5. Get out the caulk gun
On average windows account for 20 percent of heat loss and gaps around wall outlets can allow heated air to leak outside of the home. Seal up cracks around your windows and wall outlets to help prevent hot air from leaving your home.
Managing your HVAC system and your home can save you a lot of money on your energy bills. If you have more questions about programmable or smart thermostats, contact me and I will answer all the questions that I can.
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