How To Save Money And Keep Your Air Conditioning System Running Smoothly In The Winter

HVAC systems are an essential aspect of every home. They help keep a house warm, fresh and create a comfortable indoor environment. However, air conditioners consume a considerable amount of energy, and at the end of the month, you end up digging deeper into your pockets to cover the electricity bills. As temperatures continue to drop with the winter season around the corner, there is a lot of pressure on air conditioning devices, and homeowners are looking for ways to not only curb unnecessary energy consumption but also save money. So, how do you give your HVAC system the attention it needs to help you improve its efficiency and save money at the same time? Here’s a look at six expert tips to keep the environment happy and cut energy bills.

Make Use Of Window Filming

Window films have the ability to reflect heat which helps to keep your house warm. During winter, if you want to reduce energy costs, it is imperative that you pay attention to heat loss. Installing window films in your home can reduce heat loss by approximately 40%. So make sure that you fit both internal and external window films. External filming comes in handy during summer by rejecting solar heat whereas interior filming prevents heat from leaking outside. Window filming should not affect the aesthetics of your home. You are decorative window films that combine functionality with style. When shopping for window films, pick decorative films that can enhance as well as complement your home’s unique design. Get to keep your house warm with style.

Change Filters & Bleed Radiators

How are your unit’s radiator and filter? Is your house running on forced filters or radiators? If so, that could be the reason for the high-priced energy bills. During winter, you want to heat your home and keep your family warm. Bleeding hot-water radiators and cleaning or changing the filters make that possible. Bleeding allows the radiator to lets air out of your unit. You’ll know that you’ve let all the air out when water comes out of the radiator’s valve instead of air. After summer, your filters are probably dusty. Therefore, they are less likely to function efficiently; which means that during winter, you’ll spend more on energy bills but for less air-conditioning. Considering cleaning dirty filters or replacing those that don’t work correctly. To save energy on A/C and pay less, change your filters and bleed the radiator before the start of winter.

Behavioral Changes

If you want your HVAC system from working too hard, to help you save on cooling costs, make some behavioral changes. Of course, while temperatures can get pretty low during winter, there are certain periods when the temperatures are lowest. Consequently, your unit consumes more energy during these periods, so any activities that consumer power during these periods will only result in the consumption of more electricity. Some of the behavior changes include just running appliances when you have to and unplugging devices when you are not at home. Also, during winter, avoid running fans when you leave the house and only run them when needed them to circulate warm air.  

Adjust HVAC Settings

So, winter is here, have you looked at your unit’s settings? HVAC systems have many settings including fan speed, auto, and a programmable thermostat. The right settings can make a world of difference when it comes to saving energy and lowering your electricity bills. Invest some time into familiarizing with the settings on your unit. A standard HVAC system has a cold-to-warm dial Fortunately, thanks to technology, homeowners have smarter units. A digital air conditioner will offer better ways to warm your house while using less energy. Make use of energy saver, auto or smart functions to help you spend less for electricity bills.

Make use of the timer on your unit. When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing more comforting than the idea of returning to a house that warm and well air-conditioned. But if you know that you will be away for more than just a few hours, it would be a waste of energy and money to run the HVAC system when you’re not at home. Utilize the timer too and set it for the hours you want to pass before it automatically turns on. This way, you get to save money and still get home when the apartment is warm and cozy.

Use Solar Energy

Another option to help you save while using a proper air conditioner is to pick a unit that can run on solar energy. You can tackle your energy bill problem by making use of the innovative solar-powered HVAC systems for your home’s cooling and heating needs. The good news is that several air conditioners use both electric and solar energy. Often homeowners wonder how solar-powered air conditioners run during winter. But there is no need for concern. Solar energy is not collected from the heat but rather from sunlight. Therefore, even when temperatures are pretty low, there is still plenty of solar power.

Hire Professionals

Want to stay warm and comfortable this winter? Then it’s crucial that you take care of your HVAC unit. When was the last time you had your air conditioner cleaned and maintained? Chances are your HVAC system has been sitting somewhere, ignored until there’s a problem. Always opt to have your unit periodically maintained and serviced by experts to keep it running correctly and help you save on energy bills. Professionals have the technical know-how to get your unit ready for winter.

When shopping for HVAC systems, always check whether it can run on solar energy and its energy efficiency rating. Also, factor in any other features such as a timer and others that can help you save money. If you are one of those people having to deal with a high-cost energy bill because of your air conditioner, then consider making use of the mentioned tips to help you save money. After all, you want to have a warm and cozy winter without worrying about the energy bills.