Monitor Your Energy Costs and Spend Less With These Tips

Now that the temperatures are rising and summer has almost arrived, it’s a good idea to evaluate your energy costs.

Making informed decisions about your energy consumption requires sufficient monitoring of your household’s use. While a professional energy evaluation is recommended, there are some things that you can do yourself to gain control of your energy costs this summer. You can save money on your bill by implementing some small changes that really add up.

Easy ways to keep energy costs low:

• Schedule an HVAC system tuneup. Yearly professional maintenance is essential in keeping your system running in tip-top shape all year round.
• Seal and insulate ducts. By wrapping and sealing ducts in the attic, garage or basement, you can keep them from getting too hot or cold depending on the season, improving heating and cooling efficiency.
• Make use of curtains and blinds. In the summer, a room can be cooled down a great deal by using shades or curtains on windows that face the sun.
• Install a programmable thermostat. While you are away during the daytime, you can keep energy costs to a minimum by programming a  higher temperature for your home.
• Rely on Energy Star appliances. If you are looking to buy a new kitchen appliance, consider spending more to get the most energy-efficient model. This will pay off in the long run with savings on your energy bill.

You can even monitor your energy use through your computer if you wish by using an energy consumption monitor in your home. Take the guesswork out of predicting how much energy you use by using an electricity monitor to tell how much electricity you are consuming in total at any particular time. An energy consumption monitor is a proven money saver all throughout the year.

For more expert advice on how to monitor your energy costs this summer, contact us at Stack Heating & Cooling. We have been serving the Cleveland area since 1976.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about energy costs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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