7 Home hacks to reduce energy bills by 30%
Did you know that only 42% of homeowners get regular servicing done on their systems? It is fairly common to take the regular maintenance of your systems for granted (until your utility bill comes in). Besides, over the summer, the peak price of electricity is typically over 20% higher than during the winter, so it’s important to prep your system in advance and avoid getting surprised when your bill arrives.
Whether it means booking your system in for a routine service, fixing the strange sounds coming from your unit, or just checking your filters, we’ve compiled our top tips on how to prep your HVAC system for spring and summer.
In one of our recent blog posts, we also share a complete checklist with 8 tips to keep your heating & cooling system healthy & efficient (while saving $$$). Staying cool or warm doesn't have to be expensive anymore!
Keep your cool and save some money by prepping your HVAC system for the spring and summer with these 7 power home hacks:
1- Replace your filters regularly
Debris and dust buildup are especially bad over the winter, so it's essential to check on your filters now. If they're clogged up, they can make your system less efficient and even affect your air quality - so check on them now to ensure your system is running as cleanly and efficiently as possible. In fact, ideally, you should replace them every 90 days to maintain the best air quality for you and your loved ones.
2- Be mindful with your water heaters
A lot of consumers wonder how they keep paying a lot for electricity when the consumption is minimal. They forget about things that are set in and initially out of their control. It is important that you are keeping a close eye on your water heater - do you really need it on during warm days? Can you turn it off at night or while you’re away?
3- Invest in a programmable thermostat
It will save you and the environment. On average, programmable thermostats save homeowners $180 a year and they are essential for the modern home. They can automatically switch off at times when you don’t need them and are a simple and relatively cheap way to prepare your system. Plus, you can now control them from your phone (so no more anxiety wondering whether you remembered to switch off your heating) and get smart insights that help save you money.
4- Use LED or CFL bulbs
Did you know that using CFL and LED bulbs require less energy to produce the same amount of light that incandescent bulbs are producing? Yup, so if you are still using incandescent lightbulbs, then you might want to reconsider changing and upgrading. Incandescent bulbs consume a lot of energy which increases energy consumption. We strongly recommend for you to get LED bulbs or CFL to reduce the energy you uses.
5- Being proactive saves money.
Don't wait for the next heatwave! There's always a spike in delays for services and parts during the summer or heatwaves, so get ahead and book a service now to avoid having to wait. This is particularly important now, given the increases in prices and the month-long waits some people saw last year. There’s also a lot of uncertainty surrounding parts shortages for this summer, so order the parts you need now to be prepared.
6- Get it serviced!
While maintenance may cost you, it will almost always be cheaper than having to repair your system if it breaks down. Only 42% of homeowners get regular servicing done on their systems, but with regular maintenance, systems last 40% longer. So, don’t let your AC get your undies in a bundle this summer and book a service now. It’s equally important to check whether your system’s warranty covers you, as a lot of warranties require proof of annual maintenance. The last thing you want is to be hit with a full repair bill in the middle of summer!
7 - Give your system a clean
While a routine service is recommended, there’s a lot you can do at home to help keep your HVAC system healthy. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a handy list of 8 tips you can follow to keep your system running as smoothly as possible.
There you have it, how to prep your HVAC System for spring and summer to get the best out of your system instead of it getting the better of you! While it can be tempting to put off maintaining your HVAC until summer, it's always best to fix these problems early on when it's easier to find parts and labor. If you’ve got any questions, or your system has started making strange sounds, get in touch with our technicians for a free consultation here!