Myths and Facts About How to Lower Energy Bills

No matter how much we differ, we all have at least one thing in common: We want to find a way to save a few dollars on our monthly utility bills. There’s nothing more disheartening than thinking you’ve got some extra money tucked away to do something fun, only to find out that your monthly utility bill has spiked while you’re trying to stay cool. It’s essential to separate myths from facts about lowering the energy bills for your Charleston, SC, home, and this guide will help you do that.

Myth: Bigger Is Better

On the 1990s sitcom “Home Improvement,” Tim Allen’s character was notorious for blowing up everyday household items by trying to give them “more power.” It’s easy to believe that a larger, more powerful HVAC system would have to do less work to keep your home more comfortable, but that’s simply not the case.

Your HVAC system’s size relates directly to the size of your home. If you install a bigger system than you need, it will cycle on and off too quickly, leading to an increased monthly cost and a system that doesn’t stay on long enough to dehumidify your home. It will also shorten its lifespan.

Fact: Maintenance Matters

One of the most important factors to keeping your utility costs low is having an HVAC system that runs at its best. Regular preventive maintenance on your HVAC system ensures that everything is running the way it is intended to.

Having your system checked twice a year by one of our trained service professionals offers you the peace of mind of knowing that your system’s performance is running at its peak. Comfort levels stay high while utility bills stay low.

Myth: There’s Nothing You Can Do

While there is certainly no substitute for having a professional regularly inspect and service your HVAC system, there are steps you can take to increase your system’s productivity. For instance, making sure that you have clean, new filters in your HVAC system keeps your system running efficiently, keeping your costs down.

You can also take steps like adjusting your thermostat during the day when you’re not home to give your system a break. Setting your interior temperature a few degrees higher when you’re away from home or sleeping reduces energy use in your home without making you uncomfortable.

Fact: Thermostat Location Matters

Speaking of the thermostat, it’s crucial that you have yours in the right location within your home. Ultimately, your thermostat serves as the “brain” of your home’s heating and cooling system. That means it needs to be in the right spot to keep everything working optimally.

Having your thermostat near a drafty window can cause it to give inaccurate readings. So can putting it directly above a vent, in a hallway where air flows differently, or in a spot that receives direct sunlight. Consult a professional about putting your thermostat in the best spot to keep everything running right.

Myth: Turning the System off Saves Money

Most of us are familiar with the idea of turning lights off in rooms when we exit and ensuring that TVs and other electronics are off when not in use. Unfortunately, some people believe that turning their HVAC system off when they’re away from home falls into the same category. That’s simply not the case.

Turning your HVAC system on and off multiple times during the day ends up using more energy. Not only that, but it also puts a greater strain on your HVAC system as it tries to cool down a much warmer home. Instead of toggling between on and off, consider getting a programmable thermostat that gives you more control of your home’s temperature.

You don’t have to forfeit the comfort of your home to keep your monthly utility bills low in Charleston, SC. The friendly team here at AC Heating and Air Conditioning Services is ready to partner with you to keep your HVAC system running at its best without running up your bills. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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