The average American household spends more than $ 2,000 a year on heating and cooling their home. Heating and air conditioning costs in Opelika tend be higher in the summer, and lower in the fall and winter. While newer Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units are more effective and more efficient than ever before, homeowners often employ less than modern thinking when it comes to decreasing their home energy costs. There are a number of common misconceptions about heating and air conditioning that Opelika homeowners employ regularly which may do more harm than good when it comes to controlling energy costs.

Popularized in the 1970’s keeping your thermostat set at a comfortable 68 degrees was a way to save energy without compromising comfort. With the introduction of programmable thermostats, however, this thinking is now outdated. With a pre-programmed thermostat, you can set your home’s internal temperature to be cooler while you are away. By adjusting the temperature a few degrees for eight to ten hours a day, you can cut your heating bills by five to fifteen percent.

Another way homeowners manage their internal temperature is by decreasing the amount of heat or cool air while they are away, and then cranking the heat or A/C upon their return.  While this seems like a good strategy, the homeowner ends up over heating or over cooling their home, wasting energy and money. The furnace and the air conditioner will generate the same amount of heat or cool air, but it just takes more time for them to cycle through and shut down. Your Opelika heating and air professionals can install a programmable thermometer which will accomplish better, more energy efficient savings.

In effort to keep more warm or cool air in their home, many homeowners will close their air vents. Instead of doing this, you should conduct an energy audit and seal any ducts that are leaking. According to most air conditioner repair technicians in Opelika, this will be most of your ducts. Sealing your ducts is an expensive and effective way to save between $ 40.00 and $ 100.00 a year. Please, don’t use duct tape, however, just aerosol foam or duct mastic. You will see better results.

If your windows have been installed properly, they are not the source of your energy leak. While older windows may lose some of their protection, most of your heat and cool air is lost through poorly insulated walls and ceilings. Bulking up your insulation is a good alternative, as is caulking around your window panes. Replacing windows is an expensive investment, and should not be your first move when it comes to insulating your home.

With new, green technology, saving money and energy is becoming easier to do. When it’s time to replace your HVAC system, be sure to explore all the Energy Star and Energy efficient models. Ask your Opelika heating and air professionals to help you find the model that best fits your needs. In the meantime, employ some of these money saving and cost effective strategies to decrease your energy bill and increase your energy efficiency.