Heating bills seem to get more expensive each year. Fortunately, Brad Chapman Alliance Building Solutions San Bernardino County has some tips for cutting down your bills.
People often find themselves in a state of shock when they open up their first heating bill. Unfortunately, running an HVAC system often uses a lot of electricity. If you follow these tips from Brad Chapman Alliance Building Solutions San Bernardino County, however, you might be able to reduce your bills.
“First, it’s smart to compare costs year over year, including by measurement units,” notes Brad Chapman from Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County “If electricity costs per kilowatt-hour increase, for example, your bills will likely increase in step.”
On the other hand, if costs per kilowatt-hour stay the same, but costs are rising substantially, there may be a problem with your HVAC system. In that case, you’ll need to schedule an HVAC inspection right away.
It’s also smart to upgrade your HVAC heating units regularly. Modern heating units are much more efficient than many systems from say 30 years ago.
“Energy-efficient heating units can cut down energy bills,” Brad Chapman from Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County notes. “If you’ve got an older heating unit, upgrading may pay for itself by increasing efficiency.”
Brad Chapman from Alliance Building Solutions Says These Simply Things Can Reduce Energy Bills
Let’s assume that your HVAC system is in good repair and is efficient. In that case, there are still other things you can do to cut down on heating costs. Let’s take a look.
“Curtains are a great option because when you close them you can reduce the amount of heat lost through windows,” Brad Chapman at Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County points out. “You can also use special films to increase thermal insulation.”
During the day, you can open your curtains if it’s sunny out and the sun angles through your windows. At night or on cloudy days, it’s typically best to shut them.
Windows are a major source of lost heat. The same is true for doorways. If there are gaps in the doorway, say at the bottom or top, you could lose a lot of heat. Fortunately, you can buy weather strips to reduce seepage.
“Smart thermostats are also, well, very smart,” Brad Chapman of Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County says. “If no pets or people are at home, you can use your smart thermostat to drop temperatures a bit. This saves money.”
Another great idea, according to Brad Chapman from Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County, is to look at solar heaters which can turn solar energy into heat that you can then pump into your home. You can also use solar panels to run electric air conditioners and heaters.