Back-to-School: Tips for Saving on Energy Costs

It’s hard to believe that we’re at the end of August already. With kids home from school and the warm weather calling, our schedules can change dramatically during the summer. When back-to-school season rolls around, we find ourselves getting back to the grindstone.

This is the perfect time, then, to create an annual routine that benefits of our families, homes, and finances. Yes, a few simple steps can go a long way towards accomplishing all of that! Interested? Here are some back-to-school tips for saving on energy costs this fall.

Deep Clean the House

When the warm weather rolls in, we prop open our windows and doors to enjoy the fresh air. We bring home sand-covered bags and gear from a day at the beach. We note the ants and insects that so often make their way into our living spaces during the summer — and when it’s over, we need to make sure that we deep clean our homes and prepare them for the long winter months.

You’ll feel better in your surroundings, and your HVAC will silently thank you. The more dirt, grime and contaminants in the air, the harder it has to work. When your home is clean, your heating and cooling system can be more efficient, saving you money on your energy bill!

 

 

Store Unused Items

Take a few moments to look around your home. It’s amazing how coolers, sporting equipment, bottles of sunscreen, and more can become part of the normal landscape over the summer. Do you notice anything that could be put away now that fall is nearly here?

Again, when you have unnecessary items taking up space, it makes it harder for your HVAC to heat or cool your home effectively. As you deep clean and put items in storage, be sure to wipe down the registers and make sure that nothing is obstructing the ventilation system.

Clear Backyard Clutter

Are you noticing a theme yet? Yes, your back-to-school routine has a lot to do with cleaning! After you’ve finished inside your home, it’s time to tackle backyard clutter. As the season changes, it’s time to put away the pool accessories, patio furniture, and lawn games.

Once that’s cleared, look around for leaves, dirt, and debris that have collected and remove them. Pay special attention to the area around your outdoor HVAC unit and remove anything that could impede its performance.

Programmable Thermostat

If you don’t already have one, this is a great time to invest in a programmable thermostat (read: 5 Benefits to Using a Programmable Thermostat). As your schedule changes, this can be a valuable tool in lowering your monthly energy bill.

With kids going back to school, think about who will actually be home during the day. Does your heating and cooling system need to be running at full capacity during those hours? Use a programmable thermostat to create settings based on what you need, when you need it. This can greatly reduce your energy costs.

Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned

You’ve worked hard to remove debris and clutter from both inside and outside of your home. Your efforts could be spoiled, however, if your HVAC continues to blow contaminants through the ventilation system. That’s why it is so important to have your air ducts cleaned by a professional.

You’d be amazed by how much can accumulate inside air ducts, especially when you consider Richmond’s intense allergy season. All of those particles are trapped in there, circulating throughout your home. Improve air quality and efficiency by having your air filter changed and air ducts cleared out. It can make a big difference!

 

 

Call W.G. Speeks Today!

In the more than 75 years W.G. Speek has been in business, we’ve seen a lot of families preparing for back-to-school time. We’re proud to serve the community in the Greater Richmond Region, and we look forward to helping you make your home as healthy and efficient as it can be. That’s why we offer a free consultation!

Our team of NATE-certified technicians can guide you through the end of summer process as the seasons change. We are committed to providing the very best service to our customers, and we look forward to counting you among them. Give us a call today — we’re here to help!