No one enjoys sitting down and paying their bills each month, but there are a number of ways you can reduce the sting of high energy bills, and keep more of what you earn. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly half of your monthly energy costs go towards heating and cooling your home, making it a great place to start saving.

Here are some of our best tips to save on your energy bills:

Annual Preventive Maintenance

Schedule preventive maintenance each spring and fall, where a skilled technician will clean, inspect, lubricate, and tune your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner. A clean, well maintained HVAC system operates at peak efficiency, saving you money on the cost of heating and cooling your home with a number of added benefits which include:

• Prolonging equipment lifespan
• Increasing comfort
• Enhancing air quality
• Detecting minor issues before they become major repairs
• Avoiding mid-season breakdowns

Change Your Air Filter

Your air filter traps pollutants and contaminants such as pollen, dander, dust, and mold spores, preventing them from circulating through your HVAC system and duct network. In addition to helping improve the quality of your indoor air, particulate can cause unnecessary wear and tear on system components, reducing the lifespan of your equipment and driving up the cost of energy.

Use A Programmable Thermostat

A smart or programmable thermostat helps reduce the amount you spend on heating and cooling by automatically adjusting the temperature according to your family’s schedule. Many models have built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to change the temperature remotely from any internet enabled device for added convenience.

Upgrade Your Equipment

If your HVAC equipment is between 10 and 15 years old, you can benefit from upgrading to a new, more energy efficient system. The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of an older furnace can be as low as 65 percent, meaning only 65 percent of the energy you pay for is actually used to heat or cool your home. New high efficiency systems typically operate at 95 percent AFUE or higher, for immediate savings.

Seal Air Leaks

Conditioned air can escape through cracks or openings around doors or windows, around plumbing or wiring that leads to the outdoors, or through cracks or breaks in the foundation. Seal leaks using caulking or weatherstripping where needed, to reduce leakage and save money.

Add Insulation

Attic insulation prevents heat transfer between your attic and living space, but inadequate levels of insulation due to poor quality materials, settling, or damage from water or rodents, can reduce its effectiveness. Inspect your insulation, and consider adding or replacing to enhance comfort and savings.

Inspect Your Ductwork

Leaky ductwork from cracks, inadequate sealing methods, or damage during installation or renovations, can allow conditioned air to escape and contaminated air to enter. Perform a visual inspection once a year to look for any areas that need repair, and seal ducts using a high quality duct mastic or foil backed tape, not duct tape. For a more comprehensive overview of your duct system, schedule a professional duct system analysis, to determine if there are any areas that require replacement or repair, or to achieve a more even balance of temperature throughout your home with air balancing services.

Schedule HVAC Services in Spring or The Woodlands, TX

When you work with Quality Comfort Air, you receive top-quality services that are designed to prolong the life of your HVAC systems and save you money. Take advantage of our professional expertise and give us a call at 832-663-5373 or contact us online to schedule heating or cooling services in Spring, The Woodlands, or Kingwood!