Heating and cooling costs can add up, especially during the peak of summer and winter. Being proactive by taking certain steps can help keep bills as low as possible without sacrificing comfort. They’re easy to do and, in some cases, just require giving us a call so that we can handle certain tasks for you.
When Are the Best Times to Get Professional Service?
A crucial time to call us is when you notice something is wrong with your HVAC system. Maybe the heat isn’t coming out strong enough, or your unit is making strange sounds. Delaying the appointment allows potential problems to worsen. The longer they continue, the more costly they may be to fix.
You should also schedule professional heat and AC tune-up appointments with us in the spring and fall. Consider scheduling your appointment for the middle of each season so that we can get your unit in working order before it’s most needed. A problem with your unit, even a minor one, could cause the system to work harder than usual. Overexertion can cause heating and cooling costs to increase, so we strongly advise against turning on the unit for each season until we have inspected it first.
Are Self-Inspections Necessary for Lowering Costs?
Similar to professional inspections, self-inspections are necessary and can influence heating and cooling costs. Doing them allows you to notice when something is physically wrong with your unit, such as its exterior being cracked or the system not operating as it should.
It’s crucial not to attempt to fix the issue yourself, as this poses a safety risk and could exacerbate the damage. Schedule an appointment with us immediately so that we can resolve the situation and help prevent increasing utility costs and a system breakdown.
Should I Replace My HVAC Filter Every Season?
It’s a good idea to replace it even more frequently. Swapping your filter out for a clean one is great every few months, but consider replacing it monthly if you have allergies, pets, or live in a high-pollution area.
Air flows through your filter, which traps dirt and debris. The filter can’t do its job well when clogged, nor can the air stream through properly. When the filter is dirty, debris can get through and accumulate on the system’s components. For your air conditioner or heat pump, when the internal coils are dirty, the unit must work longer to get to your set point. The more often you replace the filter, the less likely it is to get clogged.
Can Using a Ceiling Fan Help Me Reduce Energy Costs?
Ceiling fans don’t actually heat or cool your rooms. However, they can help you lower heating and cooling costs year-round if you use them properly.
When they run counterclockwise in the summer, they can create a cooling breeze. Instead of cranking the air conditioner, you might be able to raise the thermostat’s temperature and just rely on the fan.
The fan should run clockwise at a slow speed in winter. Heat rises, so unfortunately, it doesn’t stay where it’s needed and instead makes its way toward the ceiling. When the fan runs, it helps redistribute the heat throughout the rest of the room, allowing you to feel more comfortable and enabling you to lower the thermostat setting.
Can Landscaping Lower My Summer Cooling Costs?
Landscaping can play a role in lowering cooling costs, but it depends on its positioning and size. For example, a large shrub in front of your living room window, where you likely spend significant time at home, can block much of the sun from streaming in. This could help your space feel cooler.
However, a small shrub in front of the guest room window won’t do much for your utility costs if the room is empty and the door is closed. Choosing a deciduous shrub allows it to let in more sunlight in winter, potentially warming your home.
Team up with your landscaper to lower your summer cooling costs. Let them know where you primarily spend your time when you’re home, your budget, and the type of greenery you want, and they can create a plan that could benefit you. Don’t forget to consider where you’re okay with blocking your view and which plants would best complement your home’s aesthetic.
What Can I Do in Spring to Prepare for Summer Air Conditioning Usage?
Besides changing your air filter and scheduling a maintenance appointment, another important step is to clear debris away from your outdoor unit. This will help ensure adequate airflow. You may need to trim bushes to allow at least a few feet of clearance from all angles. Additionally, trim tree branches and ivy away so they don’t grow into your unit, and keep an eye on them throughout the spring and summer.
You should also get your trees trimmed if any are hanging over your unit. A strong storm could knock one of the branches down and damage the unit, resulting in you potentially being without the air conditioning you need.
What Are Fall Tips for Preparing for Winter Heating?
In addition to a filter change and maintenance, make sure falling leaves don’t accumulate on and around the outdoor unit. They can block airflow and strain your system, potentially increasing your utility bills.
Can a Smart Thermostat Save Me Money Year-Round on Heating and Cooling Costs?
A smart thermostat could absolutely help you save money. A smart thermostat allows you to program a higher or lower temperature than necessary, depending on the season, when you’re away from home. It will automatically adjust to a comfortable temperature when people arrive home. You can operate a smart thermostat remotely from your smartphone, giving you more control over usage and corresponding energy costs.
Some smart thermostats can also alert you when your system has an issue. It will send you a text notification of a problem, allowing you to call us so we can address it.
Can Window and Door Drafts Raise Costs?
The worse the drafts are, the more uncomfortable and unpredictable your indoor temperatures can be year-round. This might cause you to raise the air conditioning or heat, and watch your bills increase. Reduce door gap drafts by using doorstoppers, which easily slide underneath the door without requiring permanent installation. Use weatherstripping around windowsills or consider replacing the windows (or frames), depending on their condition.
Additional Strategies for Staying Comfortable in My Home?
In summer, preventing your home from getting hot in the first place is an excellent strategy for reducing cooling costs. While it may be tempting to turn the AC completely off when you’re away, it’s best to adjust the temperature by a few degrees.
It will strain the system to have to lower the temperature by 10 degrees or more, and during the peak of summer, it may not be able to reach your set point. You can also avoid cooking indoors as much as possible, which can prevent heat from building up when you use the oven and stove.
In winter, it’s even more important not to turn the heater completely off. If you do, in addition to the struggle to warm up the home, you risk a cold snap freezing and bursting the plumbing pipes if you’re away for a few days.
Let Us Help You Keep Costs Down
Don’t let heating and cooling costs negatively impact your bank account. Precision Heating & Air in Dallas, GA offers HVAC installations, maintenance, and repairs that can make a positive difference in keeping the system in great shape.
Schedule standard services online or call us for emergency assistance.
