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The holiday season is a time when energy usage rises dramatically for the average American household. That increase is often as sharp as 30%, which can result in shockingly high electricity and fuel bills. By making some simple adjustments, you can cut down on energy consumption and keep those bills manageable. Let’s carefully examine the steps you can take to curb the surge.
Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
If you haven’t already, it’s an excellent time to retire your old thermostat and replace it with a programmable unit. A programmable thermostat can lower your heating and cooling costs by as much as 10%. That’s often enough savings to pay for the new thermostat in the first year alone. Many of these thermostats also come with rebates, which can help you recoup the investment sooner. Smart thermostats take it a step further by connecting to Wi-Fi to allow you to make adjustments remotely through your smartphone. Additionally, these units offer other energy-saving features, including the following.
- Geofencing
- Peak rate awareness
- Remote access and control
- Energy monitoring and insights
- Demand response participation
Book a Fall HVAC Tune-Up
Heating equipment becomes less efficient through normal wear and tear, so you should schedule a heating tune-up in the fall before turning on the heater. During that appointment, our technician will perform a multipoint inspection. We’ll clean all the equipment and correct minor wear and tear, such as tightening loose connections and lubricating moving parts. This maintenance ensures that your system will run smoothly, lowering the chance of an unexpected breakdown during the colder months when you need your system the most.
What’s more, consider a replacement if you have an older heating system. Modern heating systems are much more efficient than those made over a decade ago, and the long-term savings on energy costs can make a big difference. Furthermore, tax credits and rebates are available, making budgeting for a new system easier. Many homeowners today are making the switch to heat pumps. This is because heat pumps can efficiently provide heating and cooling and perform well in moderate temperatures. You can also consider hybrid heating by pairing a heat pump with a furnace so that it can kick in when it’s too cold for the heat pump alone.
Schedule a Ductwork Checkup
Homeowners should schedule a ductwork inspection at least every other year. While a fall HVAC tune-up focuses on the furnace and other equipment, it doesn’t typically include a duct inspection, but you can schedule both services at the same time. Our technicians can identify and correct any air leakage in the ducts, which is a common problem. The Department of Energy estimates that heating losses due to air leakage can range from 20% to 40%. With professional duct sealing and repairs, we can reduce air leakage to less than 5%.
Set Up Water Heater Maintenance
The DOE estimates that water heating accounts for 18% of the average household’s energy consumption. That figure can rise above 30% if routine maintenance is neglected. All water heaters, whether tank or tankless, must have their insulation, valves, and thermostats checked and replaced. Electric systems also require heating element maintenance, while fuel-burning systems require regular inspection of combustion equipment. Tank water heaters benefit from annual flushing to remove sediment buildup and prevent efficiency loss. Tankless systems need an annual descaling to keep them operating at peak performance.
Now, if you have an older water heater, this is an excellent time to consider replacing it with a more efficient model. Modern water heaters are designed to save energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that upgrading from an old system can save an average of $500 a year. Tax credits and rebates are also available to help offset the initial cost of the new system.
Check Your HVAC Filter Regularly
Indoor allergens tend to accumulate more in the winter when the doors and windows are shut tight, and this will cause your HVAC filter to clog faster. A clogged filter increases pressure within the system, which leads to higher energy consumption and added wear and tear. Select a high-quality pleated filter that suits your system’s specifications, and choose a filter with as high a MERV rating as possible. At MERV 13, a filter traps at least 90% of allergens, improving indoor air quality. The EPA recommends checking your filter once a month and replacing it as needed.
Replace Your Attic Insulation
Builders vent attics to the outside to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent mold growth and enhances energy efficiency. Quality attic insulation is key to preventing heat from escaping through the ceiling. If your attic insulation is old or insufficient, upgrading it can lower heating costs by as much as 30%. This simple improvement can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and energy bills, and it’s a cost-effective project with long-lasting benefits.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans don’t just cool your home in the summer. They can also help circulate warm air in the winter to keep rooms comfortable and reduce the workload on your heating system. Experts recommend ceiling fans in all rooms where they’re practical. In rooms with low ceilings, set the fan to its lowest speed in a clockwise direction to prevent wind chill. In rooms with vaulted ceilings, set the fan to its highest speed and counterclockwise direction, as wind chill doesn’t apply to such spaces.
Install a Whole-House Humidifier
The ideal relative humidity (RH) for a home in winter is between 40% and 50%, which is often difficult to achieve with heating alone. Dry air is a common byproduct of home heating. A whole-home humidifier can provide a solution by infusing heated air with water vapor and allowing you to set your desired RH. Maintaining a balanced humidity level not only makes your home more comfortable but also allows you to keep your thermostat at a lower setting without sacrificing comfort.
Choose LED Outdoor Lighting and Set Timers
When upgrading indoor and outdoor lighting, LEDs are the ideal choice. Although they may cost more upfront, LEDs save energy and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. The DOE advises that LED holiday lights can save more than 80% on energy costs compared to traditional options. To avoid wasting energy, set timers so that lights only come on during the desired hours. This can be a huge energy saver during the holiday season.
Select ENERGY STAR Products
ENERGY STAR is a certification program run by the EPA that evaluates appliances for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR certification isn’t limited to HVAC equipment and water heaters; it also covers holiday lights, kitchen appliances, and many other devices. Choosing ENERGY STAR-certified products gives you confidence that you’re making energy-conscious choices across various areas of your home.
Upgrade to Electric Appliances
Make the switch from gas appliances to electric can improve your carbon footprint which, if you use renewable power sources, can lower your bills. While it won’t always have that effect, a home services provider specializing in electrification services can do a home audit to determine if it’s a good fit for your house and energy needs.
Improve Your Energy Efficiency in Sacramento
Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation is a locally owned and operated company that serves homeowners throughout Sacramento and the surrounding areas. Our HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair furnaces, heat pumps, hybrid heating systems, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits. We offer maintenance plans to help you save money while ensuring that your equipment receives service on schedule. Our technicians are also available to service ductwork and whole-house fans, and we have specialists on staff who focus on insulation and electrification. We perform water heater installations, tune-ups, and repairs.
Contact us today with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
