4 Steps to Lower Heating and Cooling Costs

Heating and cooling costs are a major part of the household budget for many families. Here are some tips that can help to bring those costs down so that you have more money to spend on other things.

1. Set and Forget the Thermostat

The most efficient way to use the controls for your heating and cooling system is to set the thermostat to your desired temperature and then leave it alone. Turning the thermostat to maximum or minimum does not cause the house to heat up or cool down any faster, but if you forget to readjust it later, the system wastes energy heating or cooling the house to a higher or lower temperature than you need.

2. Make the Most of Natural Heat

The sun can be a fantastic source of heat in winter, and a big problem in summer when you are trying to keep your home cool. Make the most of the local weather conditions by closing your curtains or blinds to keep your home cooler on hot days, or open them up on sunny but cold days to let the sun's heat shine into your home. Thick curtains can also help to prevent drafts from leaking cold air into your home in winter.

3. Insulate the Home

Adding insulation to your home is a great way to lower the amount of money you spend on both heating and cooling. Insulation in the attic prevents hot air from rising up into your roof space, which is useful in winter when heat loss through the roof can contribute significantly to your heating bills. Meanwhile, insulation in the walls and around windows and doors prevents the transfer of heat all year round, leading to lower heating and cooling costs. Although there is a cost associated with the installation of insulation, the changes you make could add value to your home, so you could recoup the money if you later decide to sell.

4. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance Checks

A well-maintained HVAC system works much more efficiently than one that contains parts that are starting to wear out. In addition to keeping the unit clean and changing the filters regularly, you can also schedule maintenance checks for your HVAC unit to ensure it is in good condition. As well as bringing down your heating and cooling bills, this tip could help you to avoid the unexpected costs associated with a sudden HVAC system failure.