Save Money on Heating and Cooling Costs

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American household spends more than half of their energy costs on heating and cooling their homes. That adds up to a big chunk of your budget! There are a number of ways you can save money on your heating and cooling bills.

Here are some tips:

Adjust your thermostat.

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, you can save about 3 percent on your heating costs for every degree you lower your thermostat.

Plant shade trees and shrubs.

Planting a few strategically placed shade trees can help block the cold wind in winter or blazing sun in summer.

Check your filters.

A filter clogged with dust and debris can seriously affect your heating and cooling system’s ability to function properly. Check them once a month and replace or clean them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Use fans wisely.

If you use an exhaust fan in the kitchen or shower, be sure to turn it off as soon as you’re finished. During summer, it’s best to cook or bake during the coolest part of the day, but using a fan can help circulate the hot air from the kitchen and allow it to cool off quicker. Using ceiling fans during winter and summer helps keep air circulating throughout your home and helps keep room temperatures more constant.

Use a smart thermostat.

In the days of smart phones and smart cars, it makes sense that one of the major components of our home – the heating and cooling system – would also be smart. A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust your home’s temperature during times when you’re away from the house or during the night. Ask Brents and Sons which thermostat is best for your home.

Close the damper.

Your fireplace’s chimney gives hot air an open hole through the roof of your home. Since heat rises, keeping the damper closed when it’s not in use will help keep your home’s heat from escaping through that hole.

Close off unused rooms.

Kids gone to college? Guest room empty? Shut the doors and close the vents to any rooms you aren’t using.

Lower your water heater temp.

Most households can lower their water heater settings a few degrees without any noticeable difference. The cost it takes to keep water heated at a higher temperature adds up over time.

Check your duct work.

If your air ducts are clogged with debris and dust or if they have holes or have become disconnected, you could be losing up to 60 percent of the heated or cooled air from your unit before it even makes it through the vents and into your home. Brents and Sons offers professional air duct cleaning services as well as custom duct work installation.

Upgrade your older unit.

The older your heating and air system, the more it is costing you in heating and cooling dollars. A new, energy-efficient model can save you up to 40 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Contact Brents and Sons for more information. We accept most major credit cards plus financing is available to qualified customers.