Top 10 Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bill in 2020

Happy New Year! Now let’s reduce your energy bill.

Heating and cooling are the two biggest culprits. The average household in the United States spends about $1,400 a year on energy bills, according to Move.org, with nearly half of that amount going to heating and cooling. Control these two costs, and you will save money.

At Vailes Home Improvement Services, we take great pride in providing our loyal customers with the best installation and repair services. Our goal with every service call is to provide value at a reasonable price, along with providing solutions to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient.

Without further adieu, here is our list of the top 10 ways to reduce your energy bill in 2020:

1. Open shades and curtains during the day in the winter to allow Virginia’s natural sunlight to warm up the room, then close them at night to keep out any drafts. In the summer, keep the shades and curtains drawn during the day to stay cool indoors without having to blast the air conditioner.

2. Everyone loves a hoodie—wear one indoors to stay warm in the winter. Keep the thermostat set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you are home and awake. Break out your favorite sweater, find some extra blankets, layer up. We promise you will feel cozy from all the money you save.

3. Dial down the thermostat when you are away at work or asleep in the winter. According to ENERGY STAR®, this strategy can reduce your annual energy bill by 10 percent.

4. We cannot say this enough: change your air filter on a routine basis to keep your furnace running at peak efficiency. A fresh filter improves the indoor air quality and reduces your energy bill. We recommend changing the average filter at least every 30 to 90 days.

5. Do you have a supersized living room where everyone tends to congregate? Keep it warm in the winter by installing a state-of-the-art gas fireplace. The newer models are stylish, reasonably priced, and energy efficient. Stop blasting your furnace to warm up one large room. Get a gas fireplace instead.

6. If your furnace and air conditioner are over 10 to 15 years old, consider a plan to replace them. You avoid the possibility of unexpected costly mechanical failure, and you can install the new equipment at a convenient time. This is also a good time to install a programmable thermostat—doing so improves energy efficiency and allows you to customize your comfort level.

7. Have one of our experienced professionals perform an annual checkup of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at least once a year in heating mode. A small measure of preventative maintenance is worth a pocketful of dollars when it keeps your furnace or air conditioning from breaking down.

8. Stop a draft in its tracks! Insulate the attic and other crawl spaces. Seal those cracks around the windows and doors. A properly insulated home is key to energy efficiency.

9. Lower your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, install low-flow shower heads, and shave a minute or two off your shower time. No more dollars down the drain.

10. Swap out conventional light bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. LED bulbs tend to last longer and rate higher in energy efficiency. Plus, LED bulbs are more durable.

Give Us a Call Today

We’re all about getting the most out of your heating and cooling system throughout the year. Call Vailes at 540-942-0198 or request service online to schedule a routine checkup of your HVAC system and to learn more tips about getting the best value for your money in energy savings.