What Can I Do to Lower My Energy Bills in Auburn and Opelika?
If you’re trying to save money, a great place to start is right inside your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling your home usually accounts for about 48% of your utility bill. Some of the best ways to start saving money don’t require a large investment of money or time. If you haven’t scheduled your furnace service for the year, that’s an ideal place to start. We also have a couple additional tips that can help keep your expenses as low as possible.
Schedule an Energy Audit
If you contact your local utility provider, they will come conduct an energy audit of your home. These services are often provided free-of-charge and account for everything that is showing up on your energy bill, from your heating and cooling system to your kitchen and laundry appliances. Most utility companies also have rebates for insulation and other items that can improve your home’s efficiency.
Smartly Program Your Programmable Thermostat
Thermostats have been improved a lot, and the technology behind them only continues to evolve. For example, the iComfort S30 is able to employ the GPS In your smartphone to determine when you’re leaving and makes the proper alteration to help you save money and boost efficiency while you’re not home. When you return home, everything goes to the way it was and you don’t have to worry about anything. It’s also able to learn your routine, so when baseball and football seasons kick off, your thermostat can make the proper adjustment.
The Department of Energy says that a well programmed thermostat can
lower your heating costs by up to 35% and your cooling costs by up to 25%. Set your thermostat as low as you can, while ensuring you’re comfortable in the winter and as high as comfortable in the summer. There are a number of different models to select from so pick the one that best meets your schedule and needs.
If your schedule changes often, a 7-day model is more than likely your best choice. They provide you the flexibility to set different programs for each day. These normally have four possible temperature periods per day.
There are also 5+2 and 5-1-1 models. These models are ideal if you maintain the same schedule on weekdays and a separate one for weekends.
Selecting and Maintaining Your System
If you think you’re close to the point where your system ought to be replaced, it’s a good idea to research all of your options so you can make an informed decision when the time comes. View the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of air conditioners and the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of the furnaces. The higher the ratings, the higher the savings. As always, our furnace and A/C pros will help you make a well-informed decision that adapts to you and your needs.
If you’re not there yet, a simple furnace service and routine maintenance can keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. If you haven’t set up your furnace service for the year or are having any sort of questions about your system or options, give us a call at 334-524-2458.