We have seen almost everything go up in price and utility prices are among them. It is important to cut costs wherever we can, and this includes the cost of heating and cooling your home. While having regular service on your HVAC is important, there are things we can do every day to reduce our heating and cooling bills. Here are five easy ways to reduce costs.

Don’t Crank Up the Heat

It can be very tempting to blast the heat on a chilly morning, but turning your thermostat up high will not make your home heat faster, but will make the furnace run longer. When the heat is cranked up, the heating system has to work harder, not more efficiently. When the heating elements are running, your electricity bill will increase. Be patient!

Regularly Change the Filters

A dirty air filter makes your furnace work harder. Make a schedule for when to change your air filter, and write the date on the cardboard around the filter. Most agree that the filters should be replaced about three to four times per year.  Those with pets or severe allergies should change their air filters more frequently to keep the air as clean as possible.

Use Caulk

Each time the weather changes, you should check around the inside and outside of your home, particularly around windows and doors for cracks and gaps. Heat can escape from these areas in the cold weather months. If you live in a home that has a basement or attic, make sure you check these areas as well, as they can be some of the draftiest areas of the home. You should also have your ductwork inspected to make sure there are no leaks around these areas as well. A good service provider can handle this for you.

Try to Avoid Using Your Fireplace

A fireplace can be great to look at on a cold winter’s day, but it is not very effective when heating your home. When you light the fireplace the warm air rises and goes out through the chimney. It can also let in cold air from the outside, making your home even colder than it was before you lit the fireplace. Opt for some pretty candles in your fireplace instead of losing your heat through the flue.

Perform Frequent Maintenance

It is important to keep your furnace well-maintained. This is the most efficient cost-saving tip of all. Every furnace needs to have regular checkups to ensure that it is running well and keeping energy costs to a minimum. Catching a heating repair before it becomes a serious maintenance issue can save money in the long run.

Find Industry Experts for Your HVAC Needs

No matter where you live, there are HVAC experts in your area to keep your unit running well and cost-efficiently. Those in the Philadelphia area can count on AL Group HVAC for all their heating and cooling needs. Just check out the great reviews from all their satisfied customers.

Schedule an Appointment with AL Group HVAC

For more information on heating and cooling your home efficiently, heater repair or heating replacement, look for the best, AL Group for HVAC. Contact us via our website to learn more about money-saving ideas this winter.