The ongoing battle to save energy is more important than ever before with the drastic impacts of climate change beginning to snowball. But how much energy you use doesn’t just increase your carbon footprint, it also impacts how much you pay to heat or cool your home. Here are 5 mistakes you should avoid to prevent your energy bill from skyrocketing.
1. Having Too Little or Poor Quality Home Insulation
Older homes in New York have a lot of character but not a lot of insulation. They weren’t built to withstand the extreme temperatures we see today and tend to be drafty. This is a problem no matter the season when warm or cold outdoor air seeps into small cracks in your home that inadequate insulation won’t protect you from.
If possible, have a professional assess your home’s insulation to determine if you should change or add anything to keep the temperature stable in your home. Once your home is properly insulated, outside air won’t be able to enter as easily and your heated or conditioned indoor air won’t leak outside.
2. Keeping Your Windows Open
When the weather is nice, you may be tempted to keep your windows open at night or even some of the time during the day. If you live in a remote area or your home is particularly secure, you may feel comfortable leaving them open for extended periods.
While it’s okay and even beneficial to open your windows for a short while to “exchange” the stale air in your home for fresh air, leaving them open for any meaningful period of time will cause your heating or cooling system to work extra hard. This can result in a higher than normal energy bill, especially if you forget to turn your HVAC off while the windows are open.
3. Cranking Your AC Down to Cool Down Your House Quickly
A common energy-saving strategy is to reduce your heating or cooling usage while you’re away from home for work, school, or other activities. When you come home though, you might be uncomfortable for a short while until your home reaches the desired temperature.
Some people try to cool their house down faster by turning the thermostat down until they are comfortable, but this can use a lot of unnecessary energy. It’s better to wait until your HVAC system reaches the desired temperature naturally, or even to invest in a smart thermostat that you can control from your phone.
A smart thermostat allows you to turn your thermostat up or down from your mobile device and even program your system to raise or lower the temperature on a schedule. This way, you can set your thermostat to conserve energy while you’re gone but have your home starting to warm up or cool down to the temperature you want before you get home.
4. Not Having Your Thermostat In a Central Location
The temperature of the air around your thermostat is what is used to determine how your HVAC system should be run. If you have your thermostat near a door or window, it will register a warmer or cooler temperature than the rest of your home and will cycle your system on and off based on that reading. Usually, this makes your home uncomfortable and uses way more energy than you need.
5. Closing Off Vents In Rooms You Aren’t Using
It’s a common misconception that closing off the vents of a central HVAC system in rooms that you aren’t using will keep your electric bills low and prevent you from wasting any energy.
Not only is this an ineffective way to save energy because your system is still cycling on and off as determined by your thermostat, it can damage your system by causing air pressure to build up in your ducts. When your HVAC system is designed properly, it will resist maximum pressure difference. If you close any of your vents completely off, your system will not be able to work as designed. This consumes more energy, puts undue wear and tear on your system, and just overall makes your home more uncomfortable.
How a Goshen, NY HVAC Contractor Can Help Reduce Your Energy Bills
Paying for heating and cooling is a major expense and many homeowners want to know how they can reduce their electricity use and cut down their energy bills. Many families also want to know they’re doing the most they can to fight against climate change by reducing their carbon footprint.
Working with an HVAC contractor in Goshen, NY can give you the tools and resources needed to optimize your heating and cooling usage and expenses. Jones Services has been providing the community with comprehensive HVAC, electric, and plumbing services since 1986. Contact us today to learn more by dialing (845) 299-2234.
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