Use these tips to save on your home’s cooling and heating costs

There’s nothing worse than a higher-than-expected utility bill in the summer or winter. If your home’s heating and cooling costs are out-of-control, it’s time to take action. Here are the best ways to make your home more efficient and start saving money on your energy bills.

Add more attic insulation

Insulation is arguably the most important aspect of your home’s energy-efficiency. Both wall and attic insulation help prevent the transfer of heat energy from your home to the outside—and vice-versa. In the winter, this means trapping the heat created by your furnace inside. In the summer, this means keeping the sun’s heat out of your home.

If your home doesn’t have sufficient wall or attic insulation, you could be experiencing year-round energy waste. Adding insulation is one of the best things you can do, right away, to make your home more energy-efficient.

The amount of added insulation your home needs depends on where you live. Homes in New Mexico, for instance, generally need less insulation than homes in North Dakota. So, if you’re calling a professional for HVAC service in Albuquerque, be sure to ask them what r-value you need before you get started.

Have your ducts repaired and sealed

It’s not just insulation that could be wasting your money. Your air ducts are another likely culprit. Used to transport the heated or cooled air created by your furnace and air conditioner, your home’s air ducts play a vital role in your comfort. Yet, they’re also prone to air leaks, particularly from pinholes, separated ducts, or cracks in the metal ductwork. The air lost out of these gaps or holes could be spiking your energy costs.

While you have your HVAC professional in your attic looking at your insulation, ask them about the condition of your air ducts. Many heating and cooling experts offer air duct sealing and repair services. Here’s how it generally works: using a specialized tool that detects air leaks, they’ll find and patch any holes or gaps so that your insulation is once again airtight.

Install a smart thermostat

Programmable thermostats are great. Not only are they convenient, but they can also cut your cooling and heating costs by up to 10%! They do this by automating temperature changes, ensuring that cooling or heating doesn’t get wasted when you’re away from home. By integrating with your smartphone, smart thermostats can also be controlled on-the-go. They’re the perfect upgrade for a cost-conscious homeowner.

Work with an energy specialist in your area

If you’re on the hunt for other ways to save money on your heating and cooling bills, talk to a local professional about scheduling a home energy audit. This study of your home will reveal other places where you’re wasting energy, giving you a checklist of improvements and repairs to make.

Want to learn more about insulation, duct sealing, and smart thermostats? Check out this helpful infographic for a full breakdown of the benefits of each of these upgrades.