What Can You Do to Reduce Your Utility Bills?
Everyone is feeling the pinch these days of rising prices in all areas of our lives. One of the most significant areas of difficulty is keeping utility bills manageable. You may already be using a few tips and tricks to minimize the use of your HVAC system, but could you be inadvertently costing yourself more money instead of saving it? Here are a few common mistakes we have encountered as a heating and air conditioning company in Knoxville that could be driving up your utility costs!
Sleeping With the Windows Open
A common mistake we often see in our work as a heating, and air conditioning company in Knoxville is when our customers turn off the HVAC at night and sleep with the windows open instead. It seems to make a lot of sense. Surely turning the HVAC off at night when the temperature drops make sense. However, what it does is undo all of the work that your HVAC system has done during the day! When you have your AC running, it removes the heat and humidity from your indoor air. If you turn it off at night, the air begins to heat up again. If the temperature outside is warmer than inside when you turn it back on, your HVAC system needs to work harder to regulate the temperature, which costs more in terms of energy use. You may also find that the air outside is humid, making the room feel stuffy. If you want to open your windows at night, our best advice is to close them early in the morning to stop the sunlight and moisture from affecting the indoor air temperature.
Not Investing in Insulation
One of the most effective ways to make your home more energy-efficient is to ensure it is adequately insulated. Insulation works by trapping warm air inside your home and stopping it from escaping from walls, floors, and ceilings. The result is that it costs less for you to keep your home cooler in Summer and warmer in Winter. If you don’t have the correct insulation, your home is also more likely to have problems with drafts and moisture problems. It may seem like an additional expense, but investing in good insulation will help you to save money on your utility bills in the long run.
Shutting Vents in Rooms, You Rarely Use
Another common mistake we see as heating and air conditioning company in Knoxville is closing up the vents in rooms that are not often used. This is another tip that seems to make sense, but it could cost you more money. Closing off some of the vents puts additional pressure on the ductwork and makes the blower work harder. Over time this puts extra strain on the HVAC unit. Not only will it increase utility bills, but it will also shorten the life span of your HVAC unit since it is being overworked. Instead of closing off vents, leaving them open allows the HVAC to work efficiently. It is also a good idea to leave internal doors open to allow even circulation of air throughout the property. If you want to shut off heat or air in the rooms you are not using; the better option is to talk to a heating and air conditioning company about potentially zoning your HVAC instead.
Cooling the House Too Quickly
Did you know that most HVAC units are designed to operate within a specific range of temperatures? If you set it too low, it will have to work harder to reach the required temperature. This not only uses more energy, but it also could cause overheating or breakdown. This is going to add even more expense on top of your growing utility costs. If your home is hotter inside than the outdoor temperature, you may be tempted to crank up the AC in an attempt to cool it down quickly. However, this only serves to put a strain on your HVAC unit. It does not blow the cool air at your chosen temperature but instead blows cool air until the overall temperature is correct. Suppose this is taking an exceptionally long time. In that case, it is a good idea to consult a heating and air conditioning company in Knoxville to service the unit and ensure it works as efficiently as possible.
Is Your Thermostat in the Wrong Spot?
When it comes to your thermostat, choosing the right location is more important than you might think. In order to get the most accurate readings, it needs to be in a central location. Placing it on an exterior wall can skew the readings due to the cooler external air temperatures. Similarly, if it is close to a heat source such as a fireplace, it could read warmer than it should. If you are concerned that your thermostat is in the wrong place, talk to a heating and air conditioning company in Knoxville about potentially relocating it.
Hopefully, some of these tips can help you to shave a little bit off the cost of your utility bills. It also helps to service your HVAC unit regularly to keep it running as efficiently as possible.
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Gent Heating and Cooling provide heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial clients in Knoxville, Knox County, and the surrounding East Tennessee area. Over 20 Years experience. Customer Service is Our Top Priority. We strive to be on time, provide accurate estimates, and have most replacement products on our service vehicles.
Call 865-213-9202 or email office@genthvac.com