What Can I Do to Lower My Energy Bills in Omaha?
If you’re wanting to save money, a great place to look is right inside your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling your home normally makes up about 48% of your utility bill. Some of the best ways to start saving money don’t require a huge investment of money or time. If you haven’t scheduled your furnace service for the year, that’s an ideal place to start. We also have a couple additional tips that can help keep your costs as low as possible.
Schedule an Energy Audit
If you reach out to your local utility provider, they will come complete an energy audit of your home. These services are typically provided free-of-charge and account for everything that is showing up on your energy bill, from your heating and cooling system to your kitchen and laundry appliances. Many utility companies also have rebates for insulation and other items that can boost your home’s efficiency.
Smartly Program Your Programmable Thermostat
Thermostats have come a long way, and the technology behind them only continues to change. For example, the iComfort S30 is able to use the GPS In your smartphone to detect when you’re leaving and makes the proper alteration to help you save money and increase efficiency while you’re not home. When you return home, everything goes back to normal and you don’t have to worry about making any changes. It’s also able to learn your routine, so when baseball and football seasons start again, your thermostat can make the right adjustment.
The Department of Energy says that a well programmed thermostat could
lower 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 several different models to choose from so pick the one that best fits your schedule and needs.
If your schedule changes a lot, a 7-day model is likely your best solution. They offer you the flexibility to set different programs for each day. These normally have four possible temperature phases every day.
There are also 5+2 and 5-1-1 models. These models are best if you maintain the same schedule on weekdays and a separate one for weekends.
Selecting and Maintaining Your System
If you think you’re nearing the point where your system should be replaced, it’s a good idea to research all of your options so you can make an informed decision when the time arrives. Check out 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 better the savings. As always, our furnace and A/C pros will help you make a well-informed decision that suits you and your needs.
If you’re not ready yet, a simple furnace service and routine maintenance can keep your system working smoothly and efficiently. If you haven’t scheduled your furnace service for the year or are having any sort of questions about your system or options, give us a call at 402-509-5940.