One of the best New Year’s resolutions you can make for 2020 is to lower your energy bills. A few upgrades and maintenance tasks can help your appliances and heating system function as smoothly as possible. From replacing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to cleaning air filters, the following ideas can help you improve your comfort and lower your electricity costs.
HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS FOR BETTER COMFORT AND LOWER ENERGY COSTS
- ENERGY-EFFICIENT HVAC SYSTEMS
- As much as half of your energy costs come from your home’s HVAC system. By investing in an energy-efficient system, you can reduce your energy bills. Also, a new HVAC system can improve your comfort levels. An inefficient HVAC system can cause hot and cold spots in the same room. With a new system, you can ensure that your entire home is heated and cooled evenly for a more comfortable, enjoyable experience.
- CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTERS
- When you use your HVAC system, air goes through the machine with dirt, contaminants, and dust from your home. The air filter catches these particles and prevents them from going back into your rooms. Over time, the air filter becomes dirtier. Your HVAC system has to work harder to do its job because it needs extra energy to force air through a clogged filter. If you want to lower your energy bills and increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, change your air filter.
The same concept is true for all maintenance tasks. From HVAC machines to your dishwasher, you need to make sure your appliances and systems are adequately maintained. If you are uncertain about how to maintain your home’s equipment, a professional technician can help.
- REPLACE YOUR SHOWERHEAD
- If you currently have an old showerhead, you could reduce your overall water usage by as much as 2,700 gallons per year. Other than reducing your water bill, this home improvement will lower your electricity bill as well because all of the water that goes through your showerhead is heated by electricity.
You can also replace things like your dishwasher, clothes washer, and water heater with new, energy-efficient models. A new dishwasher can use as little as 5.8 gallons per cycle, and an older model uses more than 10 gallons. When you go to the store, look for appliances with the WaterSense label so that you know the item you are buying is more efficient.
- LOOK AT YOUR WINDOWS
- Any gaps or cracks along your windows and doors can end up letting hot air out. Also, the window may be a problem as well. If you have an old home, you may have single-pane windows. By upgrading to insulated, energy-efficient windows, you can reduce your heating bill. Sealing your windows can also get rid of 20 percent of your home’s energy loss each month.
- CONSIDER SMART THERMOSTATS
- A programmable control or smart thermostat can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency. This type of system lets you automate the temperature in your home, so you do not heat it excessively at night when everyone is asleep. Some of the latest systems will even remember individual preferences so that every family member can enjoy a custom temperature in their own room.
Bottom line: If you are looking for ways to improve your home this year, Hagerstown Heating and Cooling can help. Our HVAC technicians and plumbers have years of experience in assisting homeowners in updating their HVAC systems. Whether you need routine maintenance or a professional energy audit, we can help. Call our team today at (240) 366-0329 to get started on your home improvements for the new year.
