It can be difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout all four seasons. Summer heat and freezing winter storms can increase your heating and cooling costs. These ten tips will help you save money while keeping your family comfortable all year.
- Keep the blinds or curtains closed.
One of the most effective methods for conserving heating and cooling is a simple one. Keep your blinds, curtains, drapes, or other window coverings closed when the weather is bad. Of course, you can open the curtains wide to let your children enjoy the beautiful snow but remember to close them again to save money on heating bills.
- Replace your air filters
Every year, air filters should be replaced at least six times. If you use your HVAC system frequently, or if there is a lot of pollen or other pollution in the air, you should replace the filters once a month. Yes, it is an additional expense, but it pays for itself in improved air conditioning and heating performance. Consider it an investment in the long-term comfort of your home.
- Don’t overuse the exhaust fan.
Running an exhaust fan while cooking dinner or taking a long, relaxing bath can be beneficial. Turn off the exhaust fan as soon as you’ve cleared the steam from the room. If you leave it running for too long, you’ll pump warm air out of the house while letting in cold or hot air. Reduce the amount of air that enters and exits your home daily to keep it at a healthy temperature.
- Teach your kids to shut the door
This is crucial for working mothers. Make sure your children understand the importance of closing the door behind them. It’s easy for kids to leave the door open when they get home from school or get ready for a trip to the park. Every minute the door remains open can cost you money on your heating or cooling bill. Teenagers, like small children, can be perpetrators. The door remains firmly shut unless they are going in or out. Energy-efficient doors are an excellent addition for families.
- Keep the baseboard register clean.
Baseboard registers must be free of obstructions to function correctly. Check that they are free of debris and dust. Heavy furniture and drapes should be kept away from them. Wiping down baseboard registers and inspecting them for debris should be part of your regular cleaning routine. All kinds of small objects can mysteriously disappear in baseboard openings in a busy house full of kids and friends. Maintain their cleanliness.
- Invest in radiator reflectors
Radiator Reflectors can be an excellent addition to your heating system during the cold winter months. These ingenious heat-reflecting reflectors are installed between the radiator and the wall. Instead of allowing heat to escape through the outside wall and into the outside world, they reflect it into the center of the room, keeping your family’s toes warm on cold winter days. They can save you up to 10% on your heating bill if installed and maintained correctly.
- Reflect hot sunlight away from your home
Reflectors are helpful for more than just saving money on heating bills. They can also assist you in keeping your home cool during the summer. Consider your home a miniature greenhouse that absorbs heat from the sun’s rays. Heat can be kept out of your home with reflective windows, curtains, shields, and other devices. If the heat does not enter, the air conditioner does not have to fight it, and your utility bills will be lower. Reflective roof paint can also be beneficial, especially in climates where the weather is hot for much of the year.
- Don’t hesitate to get a professional HVAC consultation.
Sometimes your heating or cooling system simply isn’t working properly. Don’t hesitate to contact a local HVAC company for assistance and advice when this happens. Basic cleaning and maintenance are essential, but professional care for these complex systems is also required. A consultation can help you rule out problems and get things back on track. Create a rapport with local HVAC service providers so you can contact them when your home’s climate control fails. Their phone number or a handy list of local phone numbers should be in your phone.
- Get repairs when you need them.
Getting major repairs done when they are needed can save you a lot of money in the long run. Experts recommend having your HVAC system inspected at least once a year. This reduces the likelihood of an unpleasant surprise at an inconvenient time of year. Don’t take the chance of losing your air conditioning while stuck at home with the kids on a 100-degree August day. Repairs are an investment, but they pay for themselves in terms of peace of mind and comfort at home.
- Be smart with the thermostat.
One of the most important budget-friendly home-improvement tips has nothing to do with equipment, gadgets, or maintenance. It’s right at your fingertips. You can save money on your utility bills annually using your thermostat wisely. According to Forbes, household air conditioners can consume more than 3000 kilowatt-hours per year. Even in a hot climate, you can reduce this figure by thinking about where to set the thermostat every day.
If you keep your home at 76 degrees instead of 72 degrees throughout the summer, you can save significant money on your utility bills. The same is true for winter heating costs. Encourage your family to curl up on the couch with a warm sweater and a cup of hot cider. You’ll notice savings almost immediately.
Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature all year doesn’t have to be expensive. By following these tips, you can enjoy greater comfort and improved finances.