Whether in the heat of summer or the middle of winter, every homeowner is concerned about saving money on their energy bill. With the normal temperature in Orlando, Florida, being warm and humid, your AC gets a lot of use, even late in the year. Save money and energy with these energy efficiency tips.
Change Your Thermostat Settings
If you’re gone for the day, changing your thermostat can help save you up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. For example, if you normally keep your home at 70 degrees, turning your thermostat to 78 degrees during the day can reduce the strain on your AC and lower your energy expenses.
While it’s possible to do this manually, you might want to consider getting a programmable thermostat. These can take the guesswork out of changing the thermostat manually, allowing you to program a daytime and nighttime schedule.
Seal Your Windows and Doors
Your windows and doors can have small leaks that cost you money in the long run. Sealing your windows with shrink film or running a bead of silicone caulk over any cracks in your drywall can help reduce your energy costs by decreasing the effort your HVAC system has to put in to keep your home cool. You might also consider upgrading to more energy-efficient windows, depending on how old your home is.
Turn Off Your Unused Gadgets
Do you leave your computer on at night? Is your TV on standby mode? Do you leave lights on in your house? All of these might seem like small things, but they can quickly add up, increasing your monthly energy bill. Turning off unused gadgets and fixtures can help save money.
Invest in a power strip. Plug all your gadgets into the strip and switch it off at night; that way, you know everything is off and you’re saving your energy.
Change Your Air Filter
The dirtier your air filter is, the harder your HVAC system has to work to keep your home’s temperature steady. We recommend changing your filter every month or so to help keep your air clean and your energy costs down. In the cooler months, you can go as long as 90 days, but it’s important to know which filter you’re using and which is right for your needs. If you’re not comfortable changing your air filter yourself, our experienced professionals would be happy to help you!
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Making sure your HVAC system is running at peak efficiency can help save you money every month. When you invest in a maintenance plan for your system, you’re ensuring that everything is functioning the way it should be. We’ll clean your system, make sure all your parts are properly attached, and more. Plus, proper and consistent maintenance will protect you from costlier issues down the road by detecting small problems before they become costly major issues.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
If you have an older home, your HVAC system may be using more energy than you think. In Orlando, it’s important to have a system that can help control humidity in addition to keeping your home cool.
Our company can help you choose a modern, energy-efficient HVAC system that won’t break the bank. Upgrading your HVAC system pays for itself over time with reduced monthly energy costs and a lower bill.
Whether you choose to try one of these suggestions or all of them, we suggest contacting a professional for help with your HVAC system. At E.C. Waters Air Conditioning & Heat, our NATE-certified technicians are ready to repair, replace, and maintain your HVAC system.
We’re here to make sure our clients get the best service available. Call us at (407) 603-9144 to schedule an appointment and learn more about our energy efficiency tips.
Image provided by Shutterstock
