Homeowners spend a substantial portion of their monthly utility bills on heating and cooling. So, when looking for ways to be more energy efficient around the home, this is often the best place to start. Professional HVAC contractors suggest the following tricks to make your system use less energy.

How to Lower Your Heating & Cooling Bills

1. Adjust the Thermostat

You can save up to 10% annually on your home’s heating and cooling by lowering or raising the thermostat seven degrees to 10 degrees for eight hours or more each day. HVAC contractors recommend installing a programmable thermostat to ensure the temperature automatically adjusts while you are out of the home or sleeping. When you are home, try to keep the thermostat at 68 degrees or lower in winter and 78 degrees or higher in summer.

2. Inspect the Ductwork

The ductwork of your HVAC is kept out of sight, so it’s easy to forget about. However, over time, it can accumulate dust and debris, develop lose seals, and fall out place. Most HVAC contractors recommend having the ducts inspected every three to five years for these issues. Doing so will maintain good air flow, comfortable interior temperatures, and clean indoor air. It will also ensure the indoor evaporator coil, responsible for cooling the air before it cycles back into the home, is not contaminated with mold or mildew.

3. Change the Air Filter

An air filter is essential for capturing all the dust, hair, dirt, and other particles floating inside your home and prevent it from clogging the system or damaging parts. To maintain this efficiency, the air filter should be changed every one to three months. If this maintenance isn’t followed, air will struggle to flow through the system, and as a result, the unit will have to work harder to maintain the same interior temperature—which puts the parts at risk of overheating and failing. 

Another way to make your system more efficient is to schedule annual maintenance inspections with a professional HVAC contractor. Since 1986, Thomaston Oil has provided first-class residential and commercial heating oil and HVAC services—including air conditioner and furnace repairs and installations. They are fully licensed, insured, and provide 24/7 emergency assistance no matter the time of year or weather conditions. View their full list of services on their website, and call (860) 283-4878 to schedule an appointment.