5 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills
Heating and cooling your home can be a costly proposition.
In the first few months of 2023, the average U.S. residential electricity bill was five percent higher than at the same time last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Fossil fuel prices spiked more than 30 percent in 2021 but have recently slowed down.
Midwest Air Pros wants to help you lower your energy bills while maintaining a comfortable home. Our directory connects you to nearby heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies in Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Omaha, NE, Springfield, MO, and Wichita, KS.
Find a pro through Midwest Air Pros, the most convenient way to find a licensed HVAC professional near your home.
5 Ways to Save Money on Your Energy Bills
Many of our customers are experiencing a scorching summer, putting an extra strain on your cooling equipment and driving up energy costs.
In a few short months, we’ll be heading into winter—and the Farmer’s Almanac predicts a cold and snowy season. That will add even more strain to your HVAC system.
Our pros are here to help! With a nod to keeping cozy, here are a few tips to consider to lower your energy bills:
- Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Now is the perfect time to replace your old air conditioning unit, furnace, or heat pump. Federal tax credits are available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which can significantly offset the purchase price.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® label to ensure you buy energy-efficient products. And be sure to save your receipts for your tax professional!
- Seal and Insulate Your Air Ducts
Leaky air ducts can lead to significant energy loss as conditioned air escapes through cracks and never reaches your living space. Seal and insulate your ductwork to ensure you get the best airflow circulating through your home. Tightly sealed ductwork also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.
- Schedule a Tune-Up
Ideally, you want to schedule a tune-up for your air conditioner in the early spring and one for your furnace in the early fall. Worried you might forget? Join a maintenance plan and receive friendly service reminders, repair discounts, and other perks! Tune-ups help your equipment reach its expected service life.
And always remember to change your air filter. Check it once a month—more so if you have pets in the home. A clean filter helps your HVAC system do its job more efficiently, saving money and improving indoor air quality (IAQ).
- Adjust Thermostat Settings
You probably know this one! Lowering your thermostat in the winter before you go to bed or leave for work will save you money. Add a few blankets into the mix! You can afford to buy new ones with the money you saved on your energy bill!
Consider a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature based on movement around your home. In the summer, raise the thermostat and use fans to maintain comfort.
- Insulate Attic and Walls
The heat in your home is a moving force that will always flow to colder pockets. Warm air escapes through cracks, heading toward cooler areas until there is no longer a temperature difference.
Adding insulation keeps the heat from escaping your home. Proper insulation in your attic and walls helps retain heat indoors, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Start Saving Today!
Find a pro through Midwest Air Pros and start saving money today. We also try to find ways for you to get the most bang from your HVAC investment. Whether you want to upgrade your heat pump or swap out your water heater, Midwest Air Pros can help.