Summer in Austin can be brutal, and energy bills often skyrocket as homeowners try to keep cool. Thankfully, there are ways to improve your home's energy efficiency and save money by optimizing your property’s HVAC system.
Here are a few of our favorite tips to help you reduce energy waste and lower your monthly expenses.
Three Ways to Lower Your Home Energy Bill
Reducing home energy use starts with making small changes to the systems and appliances that use the most energy. More than 40% of residential energy use goes to heating and cooling, which means your HVAC system is the biggest opportunity to save money.
1. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Purchasing a smart thermostat is a great way to increase your home's energy efficiency. These devices can typically qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit program and won't break the bank. Smart thermostats can save homeowners around 8% on heating and cooling costs each year by automatically adjusting the temperature to fit your needs and schedule.
2. Take Care of Your Heating and Cooling System
Improve your home's energy efficiency and indoor air quality by maintaining your HVAC system. Be sure to replace the air filter every 1 to 3 months and schedule annual tune-ups to keep your system running efficiently.
3. Utilize Natural Light and Air Flow
You can regulate the temperature in your home by utilizing natural light and airflow. Open your curtains in the winter to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close your curtains in the summer to block the sun's rays and keep your home cool. Additionally, open windows let in cool air during warmer months and close them to keep warm during cooler months.
Read more: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Invest in a More Energy-Efficient Home
Is it time to replace that old furnace or AC? Upgrade your HVAC equipment and appliances with energy-efficient options to save money and reduce your environmental impact. Our Fox Service technicians can help you find the best solutions and identify relevant rebates or tax credits to make your home improvements more affordable.
Upgrade to a Heat Pump
Many Austin homes choose heat pumps as a cost-effective way to substantially reduce energy use at home. On average, homeowners who switch to a heat pump save $370 per year, although your savings could be much higher if you’re replacing old, inefficient equipment.
Assess Your Home’s Insulation
Home insulation degrades over time and becomes less effective. If you have an older home and it's been a while since you've checked your insulation, have it inspected by a trusted contractor. They can assess the condition of your current insulation and recommend whether it needs to be replaced or if additional insulation should be added to areas like the attic, basement, and crawl spaces. This will help reduce energy waste and lower your utility bills.
How Much Energy Does the Average Home Use?
Average home energy use has steadily increased in the US due to several factors, including larger homes and more electricity consumption. The typical home uses about 899 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month and 10,500 kWh per year, although that may be much higher or lower in some homes based on weather patterns, house size, and HVAC settings.
Meet Austin’s Home Energy Efficiency Experts!
Improving energy efficiency is an important part of lowering monthly household expenses. As your local Round Rock, Elgin, and Georgetown HVAC experts, we can help you proactively increase your home’s energy efficiency with reliable service and trustworthy recommendations that keep energy use in check.
Contact us online or call 512-488-1120 to schedule an appointment!