Over the past year, electricity rates rose 3.6% and that trend is expected in 2025. Given your HVAC system is one of the biggest energy consumers in your home, you want to curtail a high energy bill if you can. Some daily habits can cause your system to work overtime. Let’s take a look at 7 common behaviors that might be costing you money and how to address them.
1. Ignoring Regular Maintenance
Many homeowners wait until something goes wrong before servicing their HVAC system. This reactive approach can be expensive in the long run. A poorly maintained system has to work harder to maintain desired temperatures, consuming more energy in the process. Regular maintenance, including filter changes every 1-3 months and professional check-ups twice a year, keeps your system running efficiently and can reduce energy consumption.
2. Leaving Windows Open
This is common sense of course, but it can be trickier if you have kids! You and your family might enjoy letting some fresh air in while your HVAC is running. However, when conditioned air escapes through open windows, screen doors, or sliding glass doors, your system must work overtime to maintain the desired temperature. This is particularly wasteful during extreme weather conditions. Make it a habit to keep windows and doors closed when your HVAC is operating.
3. Setting Extreme Temperatures
The temptation to set very low temperatures in summer or high temperatures in winter is strong, but each degree of difference impacts your energy consumption. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter for optimal efficiency. Every degree beyond these settings can increase your energy usage by 6-8%.
4. Neglecting Insulation and Sealing
Poor insulation and air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings force your HVAC system to compensate for lost conditioned air. Many homeowners overlook these issues, especially in older homes. Proper insulation and sealing can reduce your heating and cooling costs while making your home more comfortable.
5. Running the System When No One’s Home
If you leave on vacation, you might want to return to a comfortable home, but running your HVAC system at full capacity when you’re away wastes energy. Installing a programmable or smart thermostat can help you automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, potentially saving you money on your energy bills.
6. Blocking Vents and Returns
Furniture placement might seem unrelated to HVAC efficiency, but blocking vents and returns with furniture, curtains, or other objects restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder. This not only increases energy consumption but can also lead to uneven heating and cooling throughout your home. Ensure all vents and returns have at least 18 inches of clearance.
By addressing these energy-wasting habits, you can significantly reduce your HVAC costs while maintaining comfort in your home. Start with small changes like adjusting your thermostat settings and maintaining regular filter changes. Then gradually implement larger improvements like better insulation. The resulting savings on your energy bills will make the effort worthwhile.
If you have any questions about your heating system, please get in touch with us today.