The Best Ways to Save on Heating and Cooling

Minimizing Energy Bills During the Spring and Summer

Beginning in March, many homeowners’ utility bills rise due to changing weather. While the constant switch from heating to air conditioning may be necessary to sleep comfortably, it will add to the overall cost. Rather than jeopardizing indoor comfort, there are a few easy ways to reduce the bills without shutting off the HVAC unit.

Reversing the Ceiling Fan Blades

Ceiling fans can be used in the winter and summer. Depending on the direction of the fan blades, heat will either rise or settle. Homeowners do not need to switch each blade individually to reverse most ceiling fans.

On average, ceiling fans can raise the temperature by four degrees in winter. In the summer, they reduce humidity. Although ceiling fans do not provide enough of a breeze to forgo the air conditioner, they can help save money in the long run.

Using a fan while the air conditioner runs will reduce the energy needed to reach a comfortable temperature. When the AC no longer has to work as hard, this saves money on monthly energy bills.

In the summer, ceiling fan blades should be turned counterclockwise. This creates a downdraft that can cool any room directly. In the winter, the fan blades need to be facing clockwise so that the updraft will circulate heated air. A small switch is located on the base of the fan so that homeowners can automatically turn each blade at once.

Air Filter Replacement

Depending on the household, a furnace filter should be changed once every three months. If pets are kept indoors, this frequency changes. Just one dog will require a monthly filter exchange to prevent dander from circulating throughout the house.

Checking the AC filters regularly will allow homeowners to see how often they need to change them. Three months may work fine during winter, but spring is known to wreak havoc on HVAC systems. With extra pollen and other allergens, a clogged air filter can prevent the air conditioner from properly working during spring and summertime.

Central AC must work harder to push air past the particles trapped in a filter screen. Even if the home is at optimal temperature, the AC bills may increase due to the energy needed to keep cool air circulating. To change the air filter, simply write down the measurements on the screen’s side and order the correct fit online or in a hardware store. Professional technicians are not required to change air filters.

Smart Thermostats Work

Smart thermostats, also known as wifi thermostats, are handy gadgets for saving money all year round. Several kinds are available, and each is designed for energy efficiency.

A smart thermostat tracks energy use by monitoring heating and cooling patterns. By automatically programming the thermostat to stop or start at specific times, households save money when nobody is home. Remote control air conditioning is available for Android and iPhones, but certain smart thermostats can rely on desktop technology. Older wifi thermostats are still available for those who don’t like using their phone to manage energy usage.

Depending on the brand of thermostat, savings data can be shown at the end of the year. On average, homeowners save 10 to 25% on their energy bills.

About Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC

Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC was founded in 2010. They specialize in smart thermostat installation as well as heating and cooling repairs. Their HVAC experts take the time to understand their customers’ needs, offer various options and advice, and never start work without providing a detailed estimate. Call today for more information on their Sante Fe, NM financing options.