Surely the comfort of air conditioning is the second most wonderful convenience of modern times, after indoor plumbing of course. This comfort is not free, for all its ubiquitousness. Because the cost of utilities are a monthly expense, many homeowners wonder how much they could save on those monthly bills if they really tried.
Are You Desperate to Know What Can Lower Your Utility Bill?
In the U.S., homeowners collectively spend over $11 billion on air conditioners each year. Regular maintenance for HVAC service to ensure the appliance is running smoothly is an additional cost over operation. While it is a good idea to have a professional take a look at things on a routine basis, there are a few things homeowners can do themselves.
- 1. Use a programmable thermostat for comfort.
2. Only run ceiling fans when the room is occupied.
3. Close the blinds during the hottest time of day.
4. Make sure the HVAC is clean.
Following these tips will help you know when your air conditioner is not working as it normally does. If in doubt, it is better to have an HVAC service technician take a look when it is still running, rather than when it has shut down completely.
The Numbers On Tankless Water Heaters.
For homes with particularly old water heaters, as much as 30% of the home’s total energy use may come from the old tank. Hot showers are appreciated by everyone, but most would prefer to not pay a premium price. A tankless water heater is able to heat between two and five gallons of water per minute. According to Home Water Works, the average shower is about eight minutes long and uses just over 17 gallons of water. In the case of tankless water heaters, they are 24% to 34% more efficient than the standard heater, as compared in homes that use 41 gallons or less of water each day.
Do Tankless Water Heaters Need More Maintenance?
There is a concern that a tankless water heater requires more visits from an HVAC service technician than their older counterparts. While an area that has hard water would require perhaps annual maintenance, the same is not true for all homes. A home with soft water would need to be serviced far less, such as every three to five years.
There are many ways to lower utility bills. Some have a bigger impact than others. The most obvious is to be more mindful of water usage, especially hot water usage. Otherwise, regular maintenance and energy efficient appliances can make a positive impact.