If you're like most homeowners, you rely on an HVAC system to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Whether running a furnace in winter or an air conditioning unit in summer, using the device could lead to high utility bills. Thankfully, the following measures will keep your energy usage in check while ensuring the comfort of you and your family.

How to Reduce Your Energy Bills

1. Seal Up Gaps

If there are cracks or gaps in doors and windows, they will allow outside air to enter the home. As a result, the HVAC system must work harder to maintain the desired temperature setting, consuming more power in the process. In fact, heat gain and loss can account for up to 30% of energy use in your home.

Check for openings in your fixtures and seal any you find with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent further air transfer. In addition, if you have drafty older windows or doors, replace them with more energy-efficient models.

2. Improve Home Insulation

Improving or adding insulation to the walls and the attic will trap air inside the home. Since it limits air transfer, it significantly lowers heating and cooling costs.

There's also insulation available for piping, which is especially useful in winter. Exposed water lines can plummet in temperature during the colder months, causing the water heater and appliances to become less efficient. Therefore, wrapping them with insulation helps keep costs down.

3. Use a Humidifier

A furnace and an air conditioning unit can dry the indoor air. Besides leading to health effects and an uncomfortable home, this environment can make you feel colder than it is in winter. As a result, you may set the thermostat to a higher setting, causing the heating system to work harder. A humidifier can help reduce utility expenses by adding moisture to the environment. The device helps trap heat in the air so that the home feels warmer, even at lower temperatures.

4. Clean Air Vents and Filters

Air vents and filters should be clear of dust, dirt, and pet hair. Without these particulates, conditioned air can efficiently circulate throughout the home without straining your heating or air conditioning unit. This is especially important for family members with allergies or other breathing issues, as those contaminants contribute to bad indoor air quality that can cause health problems like headaches or nausea. 

Keep your furnace and air conditioning unit in top shape to lower utility costs with help from Strongsville Heating & Air Conditioning in Ohio. For over 40 years, this HVAC contractor has provided home and business owners in the region with prompt, reliable heating services and 24/7 emergency repairs. Call (440) 238-9080 to speak to a team member, or visit them online to learn more about their services.