HVAC: Tips To Keep Costs Under Control

If you're like most homeowners, you're always keeping an eye out for ways to save money. Owning a home is expensive, and not just in terms of the mortgage and property taxes. One of the biggest expenses comes in the form of the monthly electric bill. If it seems like every year brings higher bills, the increase is probably not just in your imagination. The cost of fuel continues to soar, and this affects your electricity bill in a big way. In these difficult times, it pays to find every way possible to save on your HVAC costs. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

Insulation

The best way to keep HVAC costs under control is to make sure you are not losing that air conditioning and heating to the outdoors. We have all said or heard, "I'm not paying to air condition the neighborhood," but you could be doing just that. And it is monstrously expensive to keep doing it. Insulation, properly installed, can save you a lot of money and help you get the most out of your central heating and air. If you have concerns about how much of your energy is heading out into the atmosphere, have an expert take a look and make some recommendations.

Windows

If you think curtains and drapes are only to be closed when you want to watch a movie in the living room, you could be missing out on one of the easiest ways to keep your house cool. Letting the sunshine directly through the glass in your home creates a sort of greenhouse effect that makes your HVAC system work that much harder to keep the house cool. Keeping the drapes or blinds closed may make the environment in your home a bit drab, but it will pay off in terms of your electricity usage. Keeping the lights on costs far less than keeping the air conditioner running nonstop.

Fans

Ceiling fans are the perfect complement to an HVAC system. When they work together, you can get a home terrifically cool without spending a lot of money to do it. A fan is only good for pushing air around. At lower speeds, they aren't particularly effective unless the air they are pushing is cool itself. But when you run your air conditioner in conjunction with the fan, both components reach their maximum potential. Installing ceiling fans in your major rooms isn't a particularly expensive proposition, and it will instantly pay off in terms of keeping your monthly bills reasonable.