If you want to make big reductions in your energy bill, start with heating and cooling. While there are free and affordable things you can do yourself to start lowering your electric bill, ultimately you need to replace your old, inefficient HVAC system. Big changes mean a big investment. That usually means upgrading your HVAC system and insulating your home—potentially cutting your Variable Load (heating and cooling) in half.
Short-Term Investments
The quickest and easiest way to get started saving on your energy bill is to implement these free and moderately-priced tasks. You can do a lot yourself. Do research on the internet for price comparisons and how-to tips. Watch YouTube videos for visualization of tasks. It is always easier to see someone do something than it is to read about it. When you are shopping, be sure to ask store associates any questions and explain what you are trying to accomplish. They may be able to point you toward a better solution
Free: Set your thermostat properly for winter and summer.
On heat pumps, do not use the Emergency Heat setting unless there is an emergency. For all systems, set your thermostat on average to 73˚ F during the day and 75˚ F before bed in the summer. For winter, 68˚ F during the day and 65˚ F at night. Use portable fans to aid in cooling in summer. Set ceiling fans to pull hot air up in the summer and reverse them to blow warm air down in the winter.
Free: Do you have a fireplace?
Fireplaces can suck heat out through the chimney when not used. Keep the flue closed when not in use.
Free: Stop using space heaters.
It takes about 1,500 watts to power a space heater–regardless of size. That’s about $45 a month–per heater–if used 8 hours a day.
$: AC and furnace tune-up. | Rebate available from Farmers EC*
Yearly and seasonal maintenance is key to preventing costly repairs and extending unit life.
$: Changing your air filters monthly.
Dirty air filters make your system work harder, especially for old systems.
$: Caulking and weather stripping.
If your home is more than 15 years old, you may be experiencing increased outside air getting into your home through cracks in doors, windows, and exterior walls. Very old homes will experience this issue even more. Seal cracks and gaps in and around your doors, windows, exterior walls, and roof.
$: Properly seal your ducts.
If your ducts have leaks, you are paying to heat or cool areas of your home that don’t need it, or worse yet, outside your home.
$$: Install sun shades.
This is an affordable way to block harsh warm sunlight in the summer. Attach them to your roof’s eaves in front of south-facing windows. Roll them up at night when you come home from work.
$$: Add thick curtains to cold or hot windows.
Curtains can go a long way to blocking heat and cold from windows, and they can add a touch of style to your home. Close your curtains during the day in the summer. Open them up for warm sunlight and heat in the winter, then close them at night.
Long-Term Investments
Not everyone can make the larger changes right away, but do them first when you can. These create the biggest bang for your buck in reducing your energy usage. Replacing an HVAC system can be expensive. Be sure to shop around. You may be able to do some of these tasks yourself, but they can be more complex, difficult, and time consuming. You may want to hire a professional to complete these tasks. When hiring a professional, check the Better Business Bureau for recommendations and ratings, and make sure they warranty the workmanship
$$: Add thermal film to windows.
This is a more cost–effective and efficient way to upgrade your existing windows’ efficiency. If you can not use film, apply plastic sheeting to the outside of windows for additional efficiency and remove in the spring.
$$: Wrap metal ducts with insulation.
Creating cool or warm air is hard enough for your system. Having ductwork affected by opposing outside temperature makes it even more difficult.
Replace your HVAC system.
If more than 10 to 15 years old, you need to invest in a new Energy Star® efficient system.
$ Electric Resistance: Efficiency - Fair
$$ Heat Pump: Efficiency - Better
$$$$ Gas: Efficiency - Best
*Farmers EC Rebates are subject to change and availability. Check current rebates.