4 Proven Ways to Lower Your Energy Costs

Because of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the global food crisis, and the seemingly unstoppable rise in oil prices, you are probably looking for ways to save some cash. Thankfully, there’s one aspect of your life where you can make adjustments and reap the benefits: home comfort.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted HVAC company in Grant MN. We help homeowners like you maintain comfortable, energy-efficient homes. In this article, we will give you tried and tested ways to minimize your energy expenses.

Consider switching to LED lights.

There is a myriad of benefits of using light-emitting diode (LED) lights over conventional home lighting, one of them being energy efficiency. For the most part, LED lights use very low amounts of power. Based on a number of studies and experiences of people using LEDs, their overall lighting energy efficiency improves by as much as 60-75 percent. Depending on the existing bulbs and the type of LED lights installed on your property, the savings can be even as much as 90 percent compared to using incandescent lightbulbs.

Be on top of your air filters.

It is expected that you keep your home clean, but even with regular cleaning, natural dust and hair accumulation can clog your filter, making your HVAC system use more power to reach your desired temperature. As a result, you may see your electricity bills skyrocketing. Therefore, consider replacing or cleaning your filters (if you have the washable type) every few weeks. Dirty air filters can also result in your AC or furnace not unable to effectively make your home comfortable.

Disconnect idle appliances.

Most homes are equipped with household appliances and electronic devices, which suck energy even when idle. According to the Direct Energy website, the energy costs of devices that are plugged in but not used can pile up, and disconnecting these devices can save you up to $100 to $200 per year.

If you have several appliances plugged in such as TV sets, satellite or cable boxes, microwave ovens, and chargers, you should start disconnecting them when not in use. These are “energy vampires” that suck small amounts of energy individually, but when calculated altogether by the end of the month, the numbers can be quite surprising.

To give you an idea of how much electricity your appliances and electronics devices use when they’re sitting idle, use a handheld electricity monitor. Connect one of your appliances into an outlet, then, plug each device into the monitor. Then, the monitor will display how many watts you’re using while the appliance is shut off. Do the same for other appliances and calculate the total.

Upgrade to a programmable thermostat.

This one is an absolute no-brainer. A programmable thermostat is a sure money-saver that will easily pay for itself in a single cooling or heating season in most cases.

Why? Because it never forgets to shut off the system when you’re not home or adjust the temperature based on your needs. There are certain new models out there that allow you to manage your home’s temperature from your smartphone, so you can leave it off most of the day and turn it on half an hour before you get home.

During summer, the thermostat stops the compressor when the temperature in your home reaches a comfortable level, keeping the unit from working harder and using more energy. For maximum savings, program your programmable thermostat to a higher temperature when you are not at home and lower it to 78° Fahrenheit when you’re indoors. If this sounds too hot, keep in mind that your AC also removes a lot of the humidity from your air, so it will feel much cooler.

Ask Four Seasons Air Specialists

Whether having your HVAC system given a thorough cleaning, upgrading to a programmable thermostat or any other energy-saving decision, consulting a trusted Mahtomedi heating and air conditioning expert offers a lot of benefits.

To make sure you get the most out of your existing HVAC system and keep your home a safe place, be sure to give us a call. We have teams of seasoned, NATE-certified technicians who can help you turn your HVAC system into an energy-saving piece of equipment.