Save Money around Holidays: Lowering your Energy Bills

22 Nov

Saving Money Around the Holidays: Tips for Lowering Your Energy Bills

As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of giving and celebrating. However, with the festivities come higher energy bills, especially when you’re hosting family and friends or running holiday lights. Luckily, there are several practical ways to save money around the holidays, and one of the best places to start is by optimizing your home’s energy efficiency. At Air Refrigeration & Contracting, located in Brewton, AL, we’re here to help you keep your home cozy without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to lower your energy bills while still enjoying the season.

1. Schedule HVAC Maintenance

The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for your home’s heating system. Before the cold really sets in, it’s essential to have your HVAC system inspected and tuned up. Regular HVAC maintenance ensures your system is running at its highest efficiency, helping to prevent costly repairs and energy waste. When your system is clean and functioning correctly, it requires less energy to heat your home, lowering your monthly bills.

Air Refrigeration & Contracting recommends scheduling a maintenance check before the holidays. We’ll inspect your system, clean filters, and ensure that everything is operating smoothly so you can focus on celebrating with family and friends. A well-maintained HVAC system can save you up to 30% on energy costs!

2. Install a Programmable Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to control your home’s energy usage is by installing a programmable thermostat. This allows you to adjust the temperature automatically based on your schedule. For example, you can set the temperature lower when you’re not at home or when everyone is asleep and have it warm up just before you wake or return.

Some smart thermostats even allow you to control the temperature from your phone, so if you’re heading out for last-minute shopping or holiday events, you can make adjustments on the go. These small changes can have a big impact on your heating bills.

3. Use Energy-Efficient Decorations

Holiday lights and decorations are a big part of the festive season, but they can also contribute to higher energy costs. Consider switching to LED holiday lights, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights also last longer, meaning you won’t have to replace them as often, saving you money in the long run.

To further reduce energy consumption, use a timer for your holiday lights. Set the timer to turn lights on during peak evening hours and off when everyone has gone to bed. This simple step will help you cut down on unnecessary electricity usage.

4. Seal Drafts and Insulate Your Home

Cold air can creep into your home through poorly sealed windows, doors, and attics, forcing your heating system to work harder. Sealing gaps and cracks around your home can help keep warm air in and cold air out, reducing the strain on your HVAC system. Adding insulation to attics, walls, and floors can also prevent heat from escaping, improving overall energy efficiency.

Draft-proofing your home is a quick and inexpensive way to lower heating costs during the holidays and beyond. If you’re unsure about the best approach, Air Refrigeration & Contracting can help you assess your home’s insulation and provide recommendations.

5. Optimize Your Heating Settings

Another great way to save money around the holidays is by optimizing your heating settings. Keep the thermostat at 68°F while you’re awake and lower it while you’re asleep or away. Each degree you lower the thermostat can save you as much as 3% on heating costs. When hosting gatherings, your home may naturally warm up from the extra body heat and cooking, so you can lower the temperature slightly to save even more.

6. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

If your HVAC system is old and inefficient, consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. While this requires an initial investment, the long-term savings on energy bills can be substantial. Modern HVAC systems are designed to heat your home more efficiently, reducing energy waste and providing consistent comfort during the holidays and throughout the year.

Conclusion: Keep Costs Down and Comfort High

With the holidays approaching, there’s no better time to start thinking about ways to save energy and money. By following these tips, you can reduce your energy costs without sacrificing comfort during the festive season. Scheduling HVAC maintenance, upgrading your thermostat, and insulating your home are just a few steps you can take to ensure a warm and energy-efficient holiday season.

Don’t Forget About Air Purification!

While you’re preparing your home for the holidays, consider investing in an air purifier. A high-quality air purification system can improve your indoor air quality, reduce allergens, and keep your home fresh for holiday guests. This is especially important during the winter months when homes are sealed up tight to retain heat. Breathe easier this holiday season with air purification from Air Refrigeration & Contracting!

We’re here to help you stay comfortable and save money around the holidays. Whether you need HVAC maintenance, repairs, or a system upgrade, we’ve got you covered. Contact us at 251-867-9255 or visit www.arcbrewton.com to schedule your service today.

Air Refrigeration and Contracting is a trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Brewton, AL. Call us at 251-867-9255 for more information and follow us on social media for more helpful home tips.