If you run your business out of your home you might want to look into these money saving thermostat tips.
If you’re like most people, you cringe every time you get your utility bill. Prices seem to be getting higher and higher, and the weather seems to be getting more crazy. There are ways to keep your heating and cooling costs down. Making smart investments into a few different elements of your home can end up saving you money in the long run.
1. Install New Windows
You should start with your windows. If you’ve got old, drafty windows, it’s probably time to upgrade. Do you really want to pay to have all of your heat and air conditioning escape through the gaps in your windows? What you should do instead is find energy efficient windows that can help keep that precious climate controlled air on the inside where it belongs. The good news is that you can recoup the cost of new windows with savings on your energy bill.
2. Seal All Air Leaks
If your home is older or has noticeable hot spots in the summer and cold spots in the winter, it’s probably not sealed the right way. A properly sealed home is another way you can eliminate wasting the hot and cold air from your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. All you need is someone to go around with sealing caulk and plug up holes along windows, doors, and other drafty areas.
3. Get a Programmable Thermostat
Having a programmable thermostat is a high tech way to control your heating and cooling costs when you’re at home or even when you’re away. This useful tool can be set so that air conditioning or heat can be turned down or off when you’re not home. If you pre-program a schedule for your house, you may end up using a lot less energy.
4. Add Insulation
Poorly insulated houses need more energy to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You may need to have a contractor come out and check your attic or exterior facing walls for sufficient insulation. Extra insulation can truly make a difference in your utility bill.
5. Ensure your HVAC System is Ideal
Another great way to start saving money is to have an updated heating and air conditioning system. Older HVAC systems are literally throwing money out the door with the wastefulness and inefficiency. It’s also important to get your system checked periodically for service before the cold of winter or the heat of summer comes along.
6. Use Ceiling Fans
If you want to create a well-ventilated system where the cool air gets circulated in the summer and the hot air gets moved around your house in the winter, a ceiling fan is your best bet. Your HVAC system can only do so much, especially if you have high ceilings or larger rooms. Ceiling fans can help make the air flow much better in your house.
With a few smart tips, you can ensure that your home can feel comfortable in the height of summer or the dead of winter. You don’t have to suffer in a cold house by lowering the thermostat unreasonably or swelter in the heat by avoiding the air conditioning. Just make sure you optimize the home that you have.
