5 Ways to Cut Your Energy Cost While Staying Warm This Winter | Tips from Your Fort Worth, TX Heating and AC Service Provider
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In the Fort Worth, TX area where the winter season can get pretty chilly, you need a functioning HVAC system to keep your house warm and comfortable. But the warmth and comfort comes at a cost. This is the reason why many homeowners are constantly worried about soaring energy bills, particularly in winter.
However, it is possible to manage your energy costs. Though it appears to be an overwhelming task, keeping your energy bills low is possible by taking a few simple steps. Along with saving costs, these preventive measures will also improve the efficiency and life of your HVAC systems. These preventive measures have been suggested by heating and AC professionals for home owners in the Fort Worth, TX area. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the coziness of your home without the fear of high energy bills this winter. Some of these measures include the following:
HVAC Checkup and Maintenance
Scheduling regular maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure that your energy bills stay low, even during winter. Repair professionals dealing in heating and AC suggest that the ideal time for HVAC checkup and maintenance is right before winter. This is because, if you do not get the service regularly, dirt and debris can gather in your HVAC system. This buildup of debris and dirt can make it difficult for the heater to work at an optimal level. Therefore, the heater in your HVAC will need to work harder. This is one of the most common reasons for high energy bills during the winter. It is also one of the potential causes which can damage your HVAC system.
By regularly scheduling checkup and maintenance by a heating and AC repair professional you can ensure that your energy bills stay low during winters.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you regulate the temperature in your home, even when you are not around, or while you are sleeping. Using a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the times you turn on the heating according to a schedule. At those times when most of the family members are out for work, the system will automatically switch off. A programmable thermostat can save settings and repeat on a daily basis until changed. Thus it is one of the ways through which you can control your energy cost.
Most heating and AC systems do not have a built-in programmable thermostat. If that is the case with your HVAC, contact a heating and AC repair professional. Most heating and AC service and repair company’s area offer the facility of installing a programmable thermostat.
Lower the Thermostat Setting
Setting the thermostat at a lower temperature can help you save as much as 10% of your total annual energy cost. All you need to do is to turn the thermostat back by a few degrees for a few hours every day. Reducing the temperature by 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting can help you save cost. The cost savings from this temperature reduction are greater in regions like Fort Worth, TX where the winters are milder. In regions with more extreme climates, the cost savings are minimal.
You can save energy cost by setting the thermostat at the following recommended setting.
6 am to 9 am = 68 degrees
9 am to 5:30 pm = 60 degrees
5:30 pm to 11 pm = 68 degrees
11 pm to 6 am = 60 degrees
Ideally setting the temperature at 68 degree while you are awake and setting it slightly lower while sleeping or away is the best way to save energy costs. If you aren’t able to figure this out on your own, contact a heating and AC professional.
Regular Cleaning of Vents
An efficient HVAC system is one which has uninterrupted airflow coming through the vents. Over time, with dirt and debris, the vents also get obstructed. This eventually affects the performance of your HVAC system. When your HVAC is functioning at less than optimal performance, you will surely experience a hike in your energy costs. Heating and air conditioning professionals can help you clean these vents. This ensures uninterrupted and smooth flow of air into the system.
With regular cleaning, the vents stay free of dirt and debris, as a result, you can experience an improved air quality. It is also one of the ways to improve the efficiency of your HVAC. This in turn will help reduce your energy costs in winters.
Use the Right Insulation in Your Home
Insulation in your home can help you retain heat from your HVAC systems during winters. Similarly, it can help retain the cool air which flows from your HVAC during summers. Thus right insulation is one of the best ways to help save energy costs.
According to the Department of Energy, homes constructed prior to 1980 were not well insulated. Latest construction however, has extra consideration for adding insulation. Insulated areas such as attics and floors can help you save up to 20% of your HVAC cost.
Similarly, insulating small opening in windows and beneath the doors can help you save energy costs.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a HVAC service company in the Fort Worth, TX area, then contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating. With an industry experience of over 30 years, we provide all types of heating and AC service, repair and replacement. Our professional technicians provide excellent and timely service round the clock. To schedule an appointment, call now at 817-283-6911.