5 Tips on Saving Money on Your Heating or Cooling Bills

As a homeowner, you are always looking for ways to save money. Your heating and cooling bills can be a large part of your monthly expenses, so finding ways to reduce those costs can significantly impact your budget. Here are five tips to help you save money on your heating or cooling bills:

1. Programmable Thermostat:  Installing a programmable thermostat can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills by allowing you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can select the temperature to lower when you are asleep or out of the house and rise when you are home and awake.
2. Seal Those Leaks: On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s energy consumption. All the minor leaks can be equivalent to leaving open a 3-foot-by-3-foot window. One way to reduce energy loss and save money on your heating or cooling bills is to weather-strip your doors and windows. This will help to keep the cool or warm air inside your home and prevent it from escaping. (Tip: Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save up to 20% on heating costs.)
3. Change Your Air Filters Regularly: Another way to save money on your heating and cooling bills is to ensure your HVAC system is properly maintained. This means having it regularly serviced and changing the air filters as needed. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and make your system work harder, which uses more energy and drives up your costs.
4. Utilize Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can help circulate the air in your home, making it feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can help you reduce your reliance on your heating and cooling system and save you money.
5. Be Mindful of Your Lighting: In the winter, take advantage of natural daylight by opening blinds and curtains during the day. In the summer, do the opposite and close them to keep the heat out. And no matter what time of year it is, use energy-efficient lighting whenever possible. LEDs are a great example of how innovation and technology can make your life easier. They last 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs. (Tip: By switching five of your home’s most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs, it’s possible to save $75 on energy costs annually.)

By making a few upgrades to your home, you’ll save on your utility bills and improve your home’s energy efficiency. When you’re ready to sell your house, these key features will make it even more attractive to potential buyers. Contact me when you are ready to get together to discuss what buyers are looking for when it comes to energy efficiency options in our area.