5 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill
May 29, 2024
High energy bills can strain your budget and leave you asking the question: “Where is all that energy going?”. Luckily, there are steps you can take to identify these issues and make your home more energy efficient. Here are 5 ways to lower your energy bill.
Identifying the Problem
Before you can reduce your energy bill, it is important to understand why it is so high to begin with. Many factors contribute to high energy usage:
- Poor Insulation: poor insulation in your home can result in heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer, causing your heating and cooling systems to work harder and consume more energy.
- Old Appliances: Outdated appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, and especially your heating and cooling systems are less energy-efficient than newer models and can contribute to high energy bills.
- Air Leaks: Drafty windows, doors, and gaps in walls or ceilings allow conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to come into your home, leading to increased energy usage.
- Overuse of Electronics: Leaving electronic devices, lights, and appliances on when not in use can waste energy and raise your electricity bill.
- Inefficient Lighting: Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume more energy and generate more heat than energy-efficient alternatives like
LEDs or CFLs.
Lowering Your Energy Bill
Below are some ways to help you lower your energy consumption and save money:
1. Improve Home Insulation
- Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings with weatherstripping or caulking.
- Consult a professional inspect your HVAC Systems for air leaks
2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
- Replace old appliances with energy efficient models. High-efficiency inverter-driven heating and cooling equipment are the future of HVAC.
- Choose energy-efficient settings on your appliances, such as using cold water for laundry and running the dishwasher only when it is full.
3. Practice Energy-Saving Habits
- Turn off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use.
- Use a programmable thermostat to adjust temperature settings based on your schedule, saving you energy when you're away from home. However, it’s important to keep in mind that during extreme outdoor temperatures, your HVAC system may not be able to “catch up” to the desired setpoint for several hours, maybe not until the middle of the night.
4. Invest in Energy-Efficient Lighting
- Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs or CFLs, which use less energy and last longer.
- Take advantage of natural light during the day by opening curtains or blinds and minimize artificial lighting whenever possible.
5. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
- Keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently by scheduling annual maintenance with a qualified HVAC technician.
- Replace air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and maximize energy efficiency.
What We Learned
High energy bills can be a source of frustration for homeowners, but with the right strategies, you can take control of your energy consumption and lower your monthly expenses. Modern HVAC Systems offer better airflow and improved energy efficiency, creating a more comfortable living environment. If you are in Lincoln, Nebraska or the surrounding area,
contact Custom Cooling and Heating for a consultation and start reducing your energy consumption today.
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When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and your HVAC system running efficiently, one of the simplest and most overlooked tasks is changing your air filter. It’s a small component with a big impact on indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and even your health. That’s why Custom Cooling & Heating is excited to announce a new way to make this essential maintenance step easier: you can now purchase air filters directly from our website. Whether you need a standard replacement or a high-efficiency option, we’ve got the right filter for your system and your lifestyle. Why Air Filters Matter Your HVAC system’s air filter is responsible for trapping dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne particles before they circulate through your home. Over time, these filters become clogged, reducing airflow and forcing your system to work harder. Here’s what a clean air filter helps you achieve: Improved indoor air quality Lower energy bills Extended HVAC system lifespan Reduced allergens and respiratory irritants Neglecting to change your filter regularly can lead to poor performance, higher utility costs, and even costly repairs. How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter? The answer depends on several factors: Standard filters : Every 30–60 days High-efficiency filters : Every 90 days Homes with pets or allergies : Every 30 days Vacation homes or low-occupancy spaces : Every 90+ days If you’re unsure which filter is right for your system or how often to change it, Custom Cooling & Heating is here to help. Our team can recommend the best option based on your home’s needs and your HVAC setup. Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Filter Even if you’re not tracking the calendar, your home may be telling you it’s time for a new filter. Watch for these signs: Dust buildup around vents and on surfaces Reduced airflow from registers Unusual odors when the system runs Increased allergy symptoms or respiratory irritation Higher energy bills without a change in usage Replacing your filter is a quick fix that can make a noticeable difference in comfort and air quality. Why Buy Air Filters from Custom Cooling & Heating? We know you have options when it comes to buying air filters—but here’s why purchasing directly from us makes sense: Quality You Can Trust We only stock filters that meet our performance standards and are compatible with the systems we install and service. Expert Guidance Not sure which filter fits your unit? Our team can help you choose the right size, type, and efficiency rating. Convenient Ordering Browse our selection online and have your filters shipped directly to your door—no more last-minute hardware store runs. Support Local When you buy from Custom Cooling & Heating, you’re supporting a trusted local business that’s been serving the community for over 40 years. Save with Auto Delivery Save 10% when you sign up for Auto Delivery Types of Filters We Offer We carry a range of filters to suit different systems and preferences: Standard fiberglass filters for basic protection Pleated filters for improved particle capture High-efficiency filters (HEPA) for allergy and asthma relief And more! We carry hundreds of options. Each product listing includes sizing information, MERV ratings, and recommendations for replacement frequency. Ready to Breathe Easier? Changing your air filter is one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency. And now, with Custom Cooling & Heating’s new online store, it’s easier than ever to stay on top of this important task. Visit our website today to browse our selection of air filters and place your order. If you have questions or need help choosing the right filter, contact us , we’re here to help you breathe easier.
Before calling for service, try these essential troubleshooting steps to pinpoint the issue and potentially get your cooling restored faster.
