What Can I Do to Lower My Energy Bills in Naples?
If you’re trying to save money, a great place to begin is right inside your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling your home typically accounts for about 48% of your utility bill. Some of the best ways to start saving money don’t necessitate a big investment of money or time. If you haven’t arranged for your furnace service for the year, that’s an ideal place to start. We also have a few additional tips that can help keep your bills as low as possible.
Schedule an Energy Audit
If you get a hold of your local utility provider, they will come conduct an energy audit of your home. These services are usually provided free-of-charge and assess everything that is present on your energy bill, from your heating and cooling system to your kitchen and laundry appliances. A lot of utility companies also offer rebates for insulation and other items that can increase your home’s efficiency.
Smartly Program Your Programmable Thermostat
Thermostats have been improved a lot, and the technology behind them only continues to expand. For example, the iComfort S30 is able to utilize the GPS In your smartphone to determine when you’re leaving and makes the proper adjustment to help you save money and improve efficiency while you’re not home. When you return home, everything returns to normal and you don’t have to worry about a thing. It’s also able to learn your routine, so when baseball and football seasons start again, your thermostat can make the proper adjustment.
The Department of Energy states that a well programmed thermostat could
reduce your heating costs by up to 35% and your cooling costs by up to 25%. Set your thermostat as low as you can, while still staying comfortable in the winter and as high as comfortable in the summer. There are a few different models to choose from so pick the one that best adapts to your schedule and needs.
If your schedule changes often, a 7-day model is likely your best solution. They provide you the flexibility to set different programs for each day. These typically have four possible temperature periods per day.
There are also 5+2 and 5-1-1 models. These models are best if you have the same schedule on weekdays and a different one for weekends.
Selecting and Maintaining Your System
If you think you’re nearing the point where your system will need to be replaced, it’s a good idea to take a look at all of your options so you can make an informed decision when the time arrives. Look at the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of air conditioners and the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of the furnaces. The higher the ratings, the higher the savings. As always, our furnace and A/C pros will help you make a well-informed decision that adapts to you and your needs.
If you’re not there yet, a simple furnace service and routine maintenance can keep your system working smoothly and efficiently. If you haven’t arranged your furnace service for the year or are having any sort of questions about your system or possibilities, give us a call at 239-241-5318.