James River Air’s 5 LOW- or NO-COST Things You Can Do Now To Increase HVAC Efficiency And Save Money Later.
More Than Half of Household Energy Use Comes from Heating and Cooling.
Around this time of year, many of us take a look at our energy bill and ask: Why is it SO high? What can I do to lower my bill and improve home energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort?
Per the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Winter Fuels Outlook 2021 report, U.S. households that primarily heat with electricity can expect to spend 6% more than they spent last winter, on average.
And according to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling accounts for nearly HALF of a typical home’s energy usage. With HVAC energy consumption tied to the weather and seasonal fluctuations, it’s no wonder that Central Virginians are seeing sky-high energy bills this time of year.
So what can you do to maximize the efficiency of your home’s HVAC system, especially when temps are dropping and ice and snow are in the forecast? With proper care and maintenance, you can winterize your HVAC and ensure it’s running optimally. James River Air Conditioning has five no- or low-cost tips for saving energy in the winter so you don’t have to pay big bucks later on repairs or replacements.
- Make sure your air filter is clean – check it monthly and replace it regularly.
- Sub-freezing outside? Don’t crank the thermostat up to compensate; leave it at the same temperature you normally have it set. (The ideal winter thermostat temperature is 68 degrees.)
- Prevent HVAC unit damage by keeping snow or ice build-up off of your unit. Keep the unit clear with a soft brush or broom. (Never try to pick ice off with a sharp tool of any kind!)
- Check your exterior heating vents – snow or ice buildup can not only block but damage vents.
- Schedule annual preventive maintenance to ensure your HVAC system is running smoothly!
If you need help with your home energy bill, relief programs and services are available. Details from Dominion Energy: Energy Assistance | Virginia | Dominion Energy