Lower Your Utility Bills With The Help Of A Heating And AC Repair Company | Fort Worth, TX
All homeowners want to save money. But it can be difficult if you don’t know where to start. In this article, we’ll discuss where you are losing energy and how you can save more money on your heating and cooling. Call a heating and AC repair company in Fort Worth, TX, if you need further assistance.
Why You’re Getting Higher Bills:
Ductwork Leaks
If you have a forced-air heating system installed, having leaky ductwork can lead to higher utility bills. If your bills are unusually higher this month, consider inspecting your ductwork for any leaks. Some signs you need to watch out for include a dusty home or uneven heating or cooling. For inspection, contact a reliable heating and AC repair company in Fort Worth. Our technicians at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating are experienced in properly inspecting and repairing leaks in the ductwork. Call us at your earliest convenience and we are more than happy to help.
Windows
The heated and cooled air can also escape to your windows. When this happens, you won’t only get higher utility bills, your HVAC system is likely to work harder, putting more strain on the system. If you fail to address the issue, you may end up calling a heating and AC repair company in Fort Worth, TX, for repairs.
If you have old and drafty windows, we suggest investing in energy-efficient windows for your home. Contact a professional if you need help deciding what type of windows to install that can help you conserve more energy and save money.
Vampire Appliances
Some homeowners have a habit of keeping unused appliances still plugged in even when not in use. You need to completely eliminate this habit if you want to conserve more energy.
If you have inefficient washing machines or water heaters, consider replacing them as they can also contribute to higher energy usage. Call a professional in Fort Worth, TX, to help you determine whether it’s time to get those appliances replaced.
Weather
When the temperature starts rising or dropping, you will be more than likely to also adjust the temperature. Don’t turn up the AC right away; dress up for the weather to ensure you still feel cooler.
Better yet, get a smart thermostat for your home and look for a model that can monitor your home’s temperature 24/7. Smart thermostats may be a little expensive but these devices can help you save more money in the long run. For installation, please make sure to only contact a trusted heating and air conditioning repair company in Fort Worth to ensure the proper installation of your new unit.
Old Heating and Cooling Systems
How old is your furnace or air conditioner? All appliances have a service life. If it’s beyond the service life, the appliance will not be that efficient and will consume more energy.
Most HVAC systems can last 15 years and even longer when they are properly maintained. If your heating or cooling system is more than 15 years and you keep having issues with its performance, we suggest calling a heating and AC repair company in Fort Worth, TX, so that a technician can thoroughly inspect your unit, and help you determine if it’s time to get a new replacement.
You can conserve more energy and save more money by getting a new unit than by keeping an inefficient heating or cooling system. For installation of your new unit, hire a licensed technician only.
Poorly Insulated Home
Insulation is one of the biggest culprits why your energy bills are higher. If you want to save money, make sure that the insulation from the roof down to your home’s foundation is adequate. Otherwise, you won’t only end up with an uncomfortable home. You are also putting a strain on your HVAC system as it’s going to work harder to keep you comfortable.
Contact a professional in Fort Worth if you need help with insulation. You can lose about 20 percent of heated or cooled air in the vents and ducts when they are not properly insulated. For added insulation during winter, consider getting thick curtains to keep the heated air in. This way your furnace won’t have to work harder to keep you comfortable.
Areas to Insulate
Before calling a heating and AC repair company in Fort Worth, TX, we recommend getting a professional energy evaluation first. An energy audit can help you determine which areas in your home are losing more energy and how you can conserve more energy. Below are some areas in your home where you might want to consider adding more insulation:
Attic – Heated and cooled air can escape in the attic when not properly insulated. Contact a heating and AC repair company in Fort Worth to help you insulate the attic from floor to ceiling. Make sure to also seal any cracks or holes to make sure the heated air stays inside your home.
Ductwork – Make sure the ductwork isn’t just well insulated. They need to be leaky and pest-free. Otherwise, it will affect the efficiency of your system. Your unit will work harder and that can result in costly repairs. Seal and insulate the ductwork if you want to avoid calling a heating and AC repair company for repairs.
Exterior Walls – Want to maximize your energy savings? Consider insulating the exterior walls too. Contact one of our technicians for assistance.
Crawlspaces – Check this area for any air leaks and make sure it’s fixed. Also, make sure it doesn’t have any moisture and insect problems. Otherwise, contact a professional for assistance.
Benefits of a Well-Insulated Home
Good insulation doesn’t just help your HVAC system, it offers a lot of benefits to homeowners. You get to enjoy the benefits below when your home has the proper insulation.
Adds value to your home. If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, we recommend calling a heating and AC repair company in Fort Worth to help you with properly insulating your home. Future homeowners prefer homes with good insulation as that means your home is energy-efficient. You may be able to demand a bigger price for your home with proper insulation installed and when it’s well maintained.
Savings. Your heating and cooling systems contribute to up to 70 percent of your energy usage. With proper insulation, you get to save money on your HVAC system.
Sound-proof home. Some homeowners prefer to have a quieter home. You can achieve this by adding interior and exterior insulation to your home. Contact a heating and AC repair company so that a professional can help you.
Reduces mold growth and condensation. Because of the protective layer in the material, the insulation can help reduce condensation and mold growth which can lead to serious health issues.
Improves your home’s appeal. Getting external insulation such as bricks or tiles can enhance your home.
You will need more insulation if you want to be more comfortable in your home, if you live in a home built before 1980 and if you want to renovate. Please contact a heating and AC repair company today to help with your home’s insulation.
Helpful Ways to Save Money on Your Heating and Cooling
Having a well-insulated home can save you money especially when you also follow our tips below:
Don’t Expose Your Unit to Direct Sunlight
Keep your HVAC unit away from direct sunlight to avoid straining the system and call a heating and AC repair company in Fort Worth, TX, for costly repair service. Place it in an area that doesn’t get a lot of sun exposure and make sure no shrubs or trees are obstructing airflow.
Utilize Fans
Do you know that ceiling fans can help circulate air in your living spaces? You may want to consider installing them if you want to conserve more energy and save more money.
Replace the Filters Regularly
Dirty filters can affect the efficiency of your system. Your unit will have to work harder to keep your home comfortable. It will put a strain on the system and will lead to calling a heating and AC repair company for costly repairs. To avoid this, always replace the filters regularly.
How often you need to change the filters also depends on a lot of factors such as the type of filter installed, how large your home is, how often you use your heating and cooling system, and whether you have family members suffering from asthma or other respiratory issues.
You may need to replace the filters often because family members have allergies as they are more sensitive to dust or pollen. Consider investing in filters with high MERV ratings if you want to remove even the tiniest particles in the air. For installation, contact a trusted heating and AC repair company in the area.
Adjust the Thermostat
Challenge yourself by setting the thermostat at least one or two degrees higher or lower to conserve energy in the summer or winter. Just make sure to dress appropriately so you don’t feel very warm or cold.
Regular Checkup
All HVAC units must be professionally inspected at least once a year to ensure it’s still efficient and in excellent shape. You can avoid calling a heating and AC repair company for repairs so long as your heating and cooling system is inspected for any issues that might lead to an HVAC emergency.
Seal Windows and Doors
To keep heated and cooled air inside your living spaces, make sure to fix holes, cracks, and drafts. Caulking can help with drafts. Try to also install some solar screens to block off sunlight. If you need more help, contact a heating and AC repair company today.
Don’t Add More Heat
If it’s summer, try to avoid using the oven more as your AC will only work harder to keep your home comfortable. Consider cooking your meals outdoors. It’s the perfect time to invite friends and family members for a barbeque. Should you decide to use your oven, turn off the air conditioner and turn it back on when the oven has completely cooled off.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Units
ENERGY STAR units are designed to use less energy while still keeping you comfortable at home. If you have more money, consider switching to these appliances to conserve more energy and save more money. For installation, make sure to only hire a trusted heating and AC repair company in your area.
Is It Time to Get a Replacement?
If you’re still getting higher bills after getting adequate insulation and making sure your home is free from any leaks or cracks, it may be time to get a new replacement. For older systems, it’s definitely more cost-effective to invest in a new unit than keep paying for repairs. Because repair costs can add up. You can avoid calling a heating and AC repair company for repairs when the unit is brand-new and is highly efficient.
Call a heating and AC repair company so that a technician can inspect your unit. We can help you determine if it’s wiser to keep the old unit or invest in a new one. We can also help you professionally install your new unit.
Contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth
Do you need assistance from a heating and AC repair company in Fort Worth, TX? One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth are available 24/7 to cater to your emergency needs. All of our technicians are highly skilled and experienced in tackling any HVAC issue. We can work with all models and our team works hard to make sure all clients are delighted with our services.
Call us if you need repairs or help with indoor air quality. We are happy to visit your home and fix your problem permanently. Contact us today for an appointment.
