Although Florida is known for its sunny, warm temperatures, it can still be met with chilly falls and winters. However, temperatures typically fluctuate, resulting in your HVAC unit working overtime to keep up with the changes. This can lead to higher energy usage and, thus, increased bills during the cooler months.
To combat increased prices, you can take some simple steps to cut back on costs and preserve energy. Below, we discuss DIY tasks that will ultimately save you money in the long run without sacrificing comfort!
To keep your energy bills low this fall and winter, call the David Gray team at (904) 605-8190 or contact us online for more information about saving money!
Causes of High Energy Bills and How To Maintain Lower Costs
When looking to cut costs and save energy during the fall and winter at your Florida residence, it’s crucial to know just what causes prices to rise in the first place. Some of the most common causes of heightened energy bills, along with how to counter them, include:
Dirty Filters
Let’s face it: Cleaning or changing your HVAC filter can be an easy step to forget. Over time, filters get clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, inevitably hindering your unit’s ability to operate correctly. When this happens, your unit works overtime to try and keep up, leading to an excess of energy and money spent.
Ensuring your unit is kept clean or replaced with a new one when necessary will allow your unit to run efficiently. Standard fiberglass filters should be changed every 30 days, and other models should be replaced roughly every three to six months.
Uncalibrated Thermostat
Unfortunately, the calibration of thermostats can occasionally be thrown off, and they can sometimes be off by up to 10 degrees; this makes it hard to know just what temperature your home actually is.
Ensure your thermostat is recalibrated every once in a while so you know the accurate temperature and can adjust it accordingly. Keeping your Florida home set to around 75 degrees is a good rule when aiming for comfort and energy efficiency.
Poor Insulation
An issue that isn’t so blatant is poor insulation. Without proper insulation, your home may take too long to warm up or cool down, and it might not consistently stay at the right temperature.
Insulation is essential for adequately regulating your home’s temperature so that your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work extra hard. Insulation is ideal for wrapping around hot water pipes and in places such as attics, walls, and crawl spaces.
Window and Door Drafts
You may not always realize how much air can escape through open windows and cracks in the doors; when your HVAC is running, it may work harder to make up for the lost heating or cooling if your home is drafty. Florida’s humid weather can also sneak in through drafts, throwing your home’s temperature even more off balance.
Keep the cracks in doors and windows covered by caulking or weather stripping them. Doing so can not only significantly improve your home’s overall comfort, but it will inevitably save you money and energy over time.
Overworked Appliances
We often leave appliances running even when they’re not in use. This can be seen as forgetting to turn lights off and leaving electronics and other tools plugged in when not in use.
You can cut back on utilizing power by unplugging things like lamps, hair tools, and gaming consoles when you aren’t using them. Limit appliance use by handwashing small loads of dishes instead of running your dishwasher and thawing frozen food out on the counter instead of using your microwave.
Get ready for year-round savings and comfort by scheduling an appointment with us! Call today at (904) 605-8190.
Consider David Gray for Energy-Saving Services Today
David Gray has served Florida’s First Coast since 1983. Our family-owned company takes pride in always offering upfront and honest pricing, free estimates on all services, and fast, friendly service from highly rated technicians. Our courteous team members aim to ensure 100% satisfaction is guaranteed with every project we complete.
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