As energy prices skyrocket during the cold weather months, homeowners will be feeling the heat in their energy bills. Now is the time to take the necessary steps to save energy and keep the bills within your family budget. Check out our five tips below for conserving energy around your home. Remember, Ernst Heating & Cooling is here to help you reduce energy costs with timely furnace maintenance, important repairs, or replacements that save you money over the long run.
Evaluate your heating and cooling system
Heating is responsible for up to 40% of your home’s energy use. You’re not going to save money on energy bills if you rely on a faulty or overused HVAC unit. By investing in a new HVAC unit, you’ll enjoy increased energy efficiency with fewer breakdowns and repair costs. Remember, Ernst Heating & Cooling offers special financing if you can’t afford the upfront cost of a new system.
A scheduled maintenance plan is another effective method of maximizing your energy use. Regular maintenance can keep your system running smoothly and identify problems before they become costly repairs. The Ernst Comfort Plan offers two annual precision tune-ups, repair discounts, automatic scheduling, and priceless peace of mind.
Install a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to heat your home according to your family’s schedule. You won’t be paying to heat the house while it’s empty, and you don’t have to remember to turn down the thermostat when it’s bedtime. Some programmable thermostats even allow you to heat different zones in your home, depending on where your family likes to hang out when at home.
Try new behaviors
No, we don’t expect you to buy a wringer washer to clean your clothes the way Grandma used to. But you may discover that washing dishes by hand saves money on electricity and hot water. It’s also a great way to get the kids involved in family responsibilities after a meal. Consider unplugging appliances when you’re not using them; your laptop and phone charger are still pulling electricity when they’re “sleeping.” Open the blinds during the day for natural light, and remember to always turn off lights in rooms you’re not using.
Make sure your home is tightly sealed
Windows, doors, or your home’s foundation may be susceptible to small cracks or openings that let the cold air seep in and disturb your family’s comfort. Consider weather stripping around doors or window treatments to add an additional barrier between the outdoors and you. As an added benefit, these same measures will keep your home cooler in the summer.
Replace traditional lightbulbs with LEDs
You may pay more initially, but LED lightbulbs are up to 80% more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts. They also last longer, so if you have a certain family member who neglects to turn out the lights when leaving the room, you’ll still enjoy the benefits of a longer light lifespan.
Proper HVAC unit maintenance and timely repairs can make a huge difference in your energy bill bottom lines. Call Ernst Heating & Cooling now at 618.217.1836 to schedule a furnace maintenance appointment, or contact us online. You and your family deserve to be comfortable all winter long without spending all your savings on energy bills!