Heating And AC Repair: Reasons You Have High Energy Bills And What You Can Do About It | North Richland Hills, TX
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As a homeowner, it’s always your goal to save more money. One of the best ways to achieve this is by reducing your power consumption. In this article, we’ll talk about why you’re getting higher energy bills every month and what you can do to lower them. If you need more assistance, contact a heating and AC repair technician in North Richland Hills, TX.
Why do you get higher bills?
Below are some of the most common reasons why homeowners get higher utility bills.
Insufficient Insulation
Insulation could be the biggest culprit why you have high energy bills every month. Your home must be properly insulated for optimal energy efficiency from the roof down to its foundation. Not closing your windows properly can lead to more energy consumption, and so does improper insulation. Contact a heating and AC repair technician if you need assistance.
The HVAC system can warm or cool your home during winter and summer. But if your home is under-insulated, the warm or cool air only escapes outside. Not only will you get higher energy bills, but your heating or cooling system also works harder to give you the desired temperature. Eventually, it may also lead to a breakdown or a malfunction. To avoid calling for a heating and AC repair in North Richland Hills, TX, ensure that you properly insulate your home.
If your home has proper insulation, expect a 5 percent or 10 percent decrease in your utility bills. At the same time, it also extends the lifespan of your HVAC system and avoids costly heating and AC repairs down the road.
Tips for insulating your home:
- Do you know that about 20 percent of heat move through your ducts and vents? This is due to poorly insulated ducts. Sealing them can help you conserve power. Contact a professional if you don’t know how to go about this. Fixing this avoids calling a repair technician.
- You can benefit from contacting a professional to help you decide on the right type of insulation suitable for your home. A professional can also inspect your home and recommend cost-effective solutions on how to insulate it better.
- Ensure that you don’t neglect your attic to prevent the warm or the cool air from escaping there. You can avoid calling a heating and AC repair technician when you fix the insulation in your attic.
- During winter, consider installing thick curtains as added insulation. This way your system won’t have to work harder. You can avoid calling a heating and AC repair technician.
Older Furnace or Air Conditioner
The average lifespan of a furnace and air conditioner is between 15 to 20 years. It may be a lot shorter when you don’t properly maintain your heating or cooling system. Over time, your air conditioner will tend to lose its efficiency, meaning the heating and cooling system will work harder to give you the desired temperature in your home. As a result, it will consume energy. You will get higher energy bills when your system is either old or very inefficient.
If your system is more than 15 years old and you keep calling for heating and AC repair in North Richland Hills, TX, consider getting a replacement, as that will save you more money in the long run. In addition, it can help reduce your bill and avoid extra expenses on repairs.
It’s also essential that your HVAC system is properly maintained, so it stays efficient. A high efficient furnace or air conditioner can help reduce your utility bills every month.
Vampire Appliances
Apart from your HVAC, try to unplug those other appliances that are not in use as they can also consume energy. If you’re not using the device, then unplug it. Otherwise, you’ll continue to have higher energy bills, especially when you have a lot of appliances or devices at home. While it may not be that high, the cost can add up every month.
Extreme Weather
When the temperatures suddenly start dropping, you get the urge to turn up the thermostat to stay warm. As much as possible, keep the temperature at home consistent, and avoid turning it up as that also contributes to higher energy bills. If possible, automate everything. Get a smart thermostat so you can just preset the temperatures. It’ll come in handy, especially when you’re always out.
Windows
Please, try not to open the windows or doors, especially when you have the air conditioner on, because that’s like money down the drain. Your air conditioner will also work harder, and this can result in higher energy bills. Eventually, your system could also break down. To avoid calling for heating and AC repair ensure that the windows are closed when you have the AC on. You may also consider switching to high-efficient windows to keep the warm and cool air just inside your home.
Ductwork Leaks
If you use a forced-air heating system, the leaks in your ductwork also contribute to higher utility bills. Consider contacting a heating and AC repair technician in North Richland Hills, TX, to help you inspect the ductwork. Hiring a professional is better as some areas of the ductwork may be difficult to reach. The problem can also be difficult to diagnose especially when you’re inexperienced.
Other Household Appliances
Remember, the HVAC isn’t the only appliance that contributes to higher energy bills. Other old and inefficient appliances also contribute to this. If you want to maximize savings, consider buying a newer and more efficient appliance. For example, if your water heater is very inefficient, consider getting a tankless version to save more money on your utility bills.
Consider Getting an Energy Audit for Your Home
To help you make improvements to your energy usage and lower your utility bills, consider getting an energy audit for your home. The auditor can help you identify areas you could benefit from, such as upgrading to LED lights, working on your insulation, or buying energy-efficient appliances.
How to Save Money on your Heating and Cooling System
Below are our effective tips to help you save money:
Seal Doors and Windows
One of the easiest things you can do to save money is to make sure that all windows and doors are completely sealed. If there’s a draft, that means that it’s not completely shut. Consider caulking the edges to ensure that no warm or cool air escapes outside. If you need more assistance, contact a heating and AC repair technician.
Having window films, solar screens, and mesh window screens can also block about 70 percent of solar energy, helping you save more money.
Avoid Adding More Heat
During summer, try to avoid using appliances that generate a lot of heat, such as the stovetop or the oven. It only adds to the energy bill. If possible, cook outdoors or hang your clothes on a line. However, make sure that you don’t use your pipes for your clothes to avoid other issues down the road.
Be Resourceful
If it’s winter, make sure that you’re also dressed for it. Avoid wearing summer clothes simply because you have heating at home. Wear those thick sweaters so you won’t have to turn up the thermostat all of the time.
You’re not only saving money but also helping the heating and cooling system. They won’t have to work harder to give you the desired temperature, avoiding calling for a heating and AC repair technician.
If you don’t have fans yet, get one for summer so you won’t have to keep using the air conditioner. Sip your hot drinks during winter to keep yourself warm.
Clean Your Filters
HVAC maintenance is essential to save more energy and extend the lifespan of your system. It also avoids calling for a heating and AC repair technician in North Richland Hills, TX.
Homeowners are advised to clean or replace their filters every two to three months or as necessary. This also depends on the type of filters that you have. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your HVAC filters.
Cleaning the filters is easy to do, yet it can significantly improve the efficiency of your system. It also enhances the indoor air quality of your home.
Don’t Ignore Minor Problems with Your HVAC
To avoid calling a heating and AC repair technician for an emergency, ensure that you don’t ignore problems even if you think they’re just small ones. Sometimes, emergencies occur because the homeowner fails to do something about a noisy furnace or the strange smells coming from the air conditioner.
When you suspect that there might be something wrong with the HVAC system, contact a technician right away for heating and AC repair. Never postpone any repairs as that might lead to more costly replacements.
Remember, an air conditioner or a furnace with minor damage can affect its efficiency. As a result, your heating or cooling system will have to work hard, which only translates to higher energy bills. Avoid other issues down the road by calling a heating and AC repair technician when you have to.
Get an HVAC Tuneup
We also suggest that homeowners get an HVAC tune-up at least a month before the summer and winter. The inspection ensures that your heating or cooling system will be in top shape. In addition, you will have peace of mind knowing that any problems are already addressed during the tune-up.
Having a fully functioning HVAC system contributes to more efficiency and lower bills. You can achieve this by calling a heating and AC repair technician in North Richland Hills, TX, for a tune-up.
Regularly Clean Your Unit
Apart from cleaning the filters, it’s just as important to also clean some of your heating and cooling system components. However, make sure that you’re doing it correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for taking care of your heating or cooling system. If you have questions, contact your manufacturer or a heating and AC repair technician.
Switch to an Energy Efficient HVAC
One of the most effective ways to save money on your HVAC is to invest in high-efficiency units. These units use less power compared to their counterparts. So while they can be a little more pricey, you can save money in the long run.
Benefits of High-efficiency HVAC
Improved Air Flow
One of the best things about high-efficient models is the variable speed motors, ensuring a perfect level of airflow throughout your home. This means that you will be more comfortable in your homes.
Less Noise
If you don’t want a noisy HVAC system, we suggest that you invest in a high-efficient model. You won’t have to worry about annoying noises when you contact a heating and AC repair technician to install a high-efficient HVAC system for your home. As a result, you get better and uninterrupted sleep every night.
Lower Bills
Because high-efficient models use less power, you get to save more money on your utility bills every month. So while these types of units can be a little pricey, you really can save money in the long run.
You’re also helping the environment as high-efficient HVAC models use less fuel, apart from the lower bills.
Increased Home Value
Most homebuyers today prefer to buy homes that have high-efficient appliances as that can help them save money. If you’re thinking about selling your home in the future, we highly encourage you to invest in high-efficient HVAC models.
Contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth
Do you need heating and AC repair in North Richland Hills, TX? Please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime. We’ll quickly dispatch a skilled and experienced technician to help you resolve the problem quickly. Our goal is to keep your home safe and comfortable all of the time — this is why we operate 24/7, so we can always serve you. Contact us today for an appointment.