During the colder months, energy consumption is still a concern for many residents in Spring Hill, FL. It’s not uncommon for your utility bills to rise again as you run your HVAC system more to keep your home warm. Consider these tips and tricks to help keep your bill down.
Lower the Temperature in Your Home and Opt for These Solutions
You can use your ceiling fans to help your home feel warmer. During the colder months, reverse the direction of your fan. This will pull the warm air from the ceiling to the floor.
It’s always a good idea to dress for the season. During the colder months, wear warmer clothing that covers your legs, feet and arms. It’ll help you stay warm without using your HVAC system.
Take Advantage of the Cold Outside
During the colder months, you should keep your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Each degree you raise your thermostat can translate to an average of 6% to 8% in energy costs.
Adjust Your Lighting to Save on Power
Instead of using standard light bulbs, consider using LED or CFL lights, which will emit the same amount of light needed but at a fraction of energy. Plus, they last longer.
Use natural lighting whenever possible. In the morning, you can open up all your blinds and curtains to allow natural light to permeate the home.
Consider other ways to achieve natural lighting in the home. You can install architectural light shelves both inside and outside your home to increase light. Skylights also provide an excellent source of natural lighting.
Consider Different Methods for Keeping Warm Air in Your Home
It’s important to keep warm air from leaking from your home. Properly insulate and seal your home to prevent warm air from leaking. This can decrease your energy costs by up to 10%.
In addition to insulation in the walls, you can help trap heat in other ways. You can place rugs on the floor to keep the floor warm, put throws on couches and chairs and hang wall tapestries. Use thick curtains that can help keep the cold out and the warm air in.
You can keep warm air in your home by weather-stripping or caulking windows and doors. You can also install energy-efficient windows and doors that will help to keep warm air in the home.
Don’t Use What You Don’t Need
You use a large amount of electricity throughout the day because appliances and electronics continue using electricity. Unplug devices while they’re not in use. To make things easy, group all of the electronics you use together with one outlet adapter and turn off while not in use.
Consider alternative methods of cooking to free up your stove or oven. You can use your microwave for food like pasta or rice. You can also slow-cook your food.
Schedule Regular Maintenance to Reduce Costs
It’s wise to call for HVAC maintenance twice per year. Check your system once before the warmer months and once before the colder months. This will ensure your system is functioning properly, which will mean your system won’t overwork itself to deliver the same results.
Regular maintenance appointments can prevent costly repairs. It can also prevent total replacement down the road. Minor repairs can lead to larger ones, so it’s best to attend to them promptly.
The colder months don’t have to mean higher energy bills. Schedule an appointment with Senica Air Conditioning Inc. to install an efficient heater or have yours brought up to tip-top condition today.
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