Cooler weather is finally here. As sharp wind and frost welcomes us each morning, we quickly realize how much we truly depend on the comfort of our home.
Most of us “set it and forget it” only to think about it again when the utility bills come in the mail. Ouch, that hurts! Your heating system accounts for nearly half of your electric bill if you own a heat pump. If you are the type of homeowner who likes to save money by turning down the thermostat during the day and then back up again when you return, you might not be saving as much as you think.
If you own a heat pump system and adjust it back up to a warmer temperature when you arrive home, your electric auxiliary heat will have to kick in to supplement your heat pump, which is much less efficient at heating (HP efficiency vs. Electric is like 3 to 1).
The Answer? – A Programmable Thermostat:
By simply programming the thermostat with your daily schedule, it will automatically control your heating system, turning the temperature down when you leave, and bringing your home back up to temperature before you arrive back home. Some programmable thermostats have settings to control the auxiliary heat, keeping it from coming on during normal scheduled cycles. This means it will bring your home back up to temperature using only the heat pump and not the electric heat.
If you would like more information about getting a programmable thermostat installed in your home, feel free to contact us. If you feel a programmable thermostat isn’t right for you, you will be much better off keeping your home at a set temperature all the time.
Efficiency: Is your system not as efficient as you’d like it to be?
If your heating system is 15-20 years old, replacing it could mean real savings every month (ex. 10 SEER system vs. 16 SEER = 6 SEER difference x 8-10% savings/mo per SEER = utility bill cut in half!
Maintenance is Key: Ever came home to your heating system not working properly?
System failure seems to happen most often on the coldest days. When it breaks down you remember about the regularly scheduled system tune up that was offered when your system was first installed. Routine maintenance cannot only provide longer life for your system overall, but also cut down on monthly energy bills. If your system is over 2-3 years old and hasn’t been maintenanced, you need to do so. To find out more information about maintenance plans and what’s involved, visit our Maintenance Program page.
With a small investment, you can save hundreds on repair bills later. Neglect of changing out a simple $5 filter can lead to a dirty evaporator coil (and dirty ductwork). A dirty evaporator coil leads to an air-starved system. Starving the system of proper airflow can cause strain on blower motors, compressors, and other components. That $5 filter could eventually cost you hundreds in repairs. If you have trouble remembering to change your air filter, a good reminder is to change it every time you get your electric bill. Purchasing cheap throw-away filters and changing them every single month is much better than buying a 3-6 month filter and remembering to change it a year down the road.
Take a moment to think about your heating system and take care of any problems you see before you’re left in the cold. Stay warm!
Here are some coupons to help you save this heating season.
