As temperatures rise in Tennessee, keeping your home cool and your power bill low can become daunting. With the increase in energy consumption, your utility bills can skyrocket. Luckily, our HVAC technicians have several tips to lower your power bill while keeping your home comfortable.
A programmable thermostat, or smart thermostat, can be your best friend when you’re trying to lower your utility bills. By setting your thermostat to adjust the temperature based on your daily schedule, you can reduce energy consumption and save money on your power bill. During the summer months, set your thermostat to 78°F or higher when you are away or sleeping. When you are at home, set it to a comfortable temperature, ideally between 72°F and 76°F.
Regular HVAC maintenance improves your system’s efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and ultimately lowers your power bill. Make sure to replace your air filters every month to improve airflow and keep your indoor air clean. Additionally, schedule regular HVAC maintenance with a professional technician to ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency. Regularly scheduled maintenance of your HVAC system improves its efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and ultimately lowers your power bill.
Close your blinds and curtains to block out the sun’s rays from entering your home. This will help reduce the amount of heat that enters your space. For maximum benefit, keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day, especially on windows that face the sun. Additionally, you can use window coverings made of light-colored fabrics to reflect the sun’s rays away from your home. This will also help keep your home cooler during hot summer days.
Using ceiling fans can help keep your home cool without using too much energy. When using a ceiling fan, the fan should be set to run counterclockwise in the summer in order to create a cooling effect. This is due to the way that the fan blades rotate, creating an updraft that pushes the cool air down and circulates it around the room. Ceiling fans are an efficient and cost-effective way to cool your home during the summer months, as they use much less energy than air conditioning. Additionally, ceiling fans can help circulate warm air during the winter, allowing your heating system to work more efficiently and potentially reducing your energy costs.
Cooking indoors during the summer months can put extra stress on your home’s HVAC system as it works to cool your home while the heat generated from cooking adds to the temperature. To reduce the amount of heat generated indoors, consider grilling outside instead of cooking inside. This will reduce the strain on your HVAC system, allowing it to more effectively cool your home during the hot summer months.
Using energy-efficient appliances is an excellent way to save money on your monthly power bill. These appliances are designed to use less energy than traditional models, which means they can reduce the amount of electricity you use, leading to lower energy costs. When selecting energy-efficient appliances, be sure to research the Energy Star rating, which indicates the appliance’s efficiency and how much it will cost to operate. Additionally, look for appliances with features such as timers, temperature controls, and other energy-saving settings.
Installing weatherstripping is an effective way to lower your power bill by preventing drafts and air leaks in your home. When gaps around windows and doors allow air to flow freely in and out of your home, your heating and cooling system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Weatherstripping seals these gaps, reducing air infiltration and improving the energy efficiency of your home.
Electronics can generate a lot of heat, which can cause your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home cool. When you are not using electronics, such as computers, televisions, and gaming consoles, turn them off to reduce energy consumption.
Using a dehumidifier can reduce the amount of moisture in the air, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable. By reducing humidity levels, your HVAC system can work more efficiently, reducing energy consumption.
During cooler times of the day, such as early morning and evening, open your windows and use natural ventilation to cool your home. This can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your power bill.
These simple habits will help keep your indoor air cool. These HVAC tips will also lower your power bill during the hot Tennessee summer. Remember to consult a professional HVAC technician for annual maintenance to ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency.
Chancey & Reynolds has been installing, servicing, and repairing HVAC systems in greater Knoxville since 1978. We have decades of experience with all types, makes, and models of heating and cooling systems and HVAC accessories.
Our NATE-certified technicians thoroughly evaluate your home or business’s design to recommend the best-fitting systems for you. We even offer free estimates and convenient financing options for those who qualify, so you don’t have to worry about major upfront costs. Commercial and residential HVAC users across Knoxville and Lenoir City trust our team of air specialists to keep their indoor air comfortable year-round.
