Are Your Energy Bills Worrying You?

“Just got my electric bill…yipes. What can I do to get this monthly expense under control?”

If you are wondering how to reduce your energy costs, you first need to understand which appliances in your home are using the most energy.

As a rule, if the appliance produces heat, it is drawing a lot of power. Think of hair dryers, toaster, clothes dryer, oven, space heaters, electric blankets, water heater, dishwasher, and furnace. These are the appliances you might consider limiting usage or turning down the heat setting, if there is one, to save money.

• Then consider the appliances that draw power constantly: refrigerator, freezer, water heater, furnace, and air conditioner. Some of these items might not draw the most power, but they do use energy nonstop for a cumulative effect on your wallet.
• If you have a spare refrigerator or deep freezer that you use to stock food for the holidays or special occasions, consider emptying it out when not absolutely needed, transferring the food to your primary refrigerator or freezer; then unplug the appliance until needed again.
• Lower the temperature of your water heater a few degrees. Wrap the tank with a water heater blanket to insulate it, which will better maintain the temperature of the water inside it.
• If you’re in the market for a new water heater, consider a tankless one that heats water on-demand (click HERE for info), when you turn a hot water faucet on, rather than constantly heating water in a tank until it’s needed. Tankless water heaters are more expensive than traditional water heaters, but they take up a lot less space and you begin saving energy (and money!) right away.
• Turn down your thermostat a degree or two in the winter and up a little in the summer to save energy when heating or cooling your home.

Is your furnace old and tired? Chances are, it’s costing you more money than you need to spend heating your home. Your HVAC system is the single biggest user of energy in your home. Replacing it with a more modern, energy-efficient rated system will save energy and reduce your home heating costs. If you are considering replacing your furnace, give us a call! We install and service all types of furnaces – not just for oil heat – and can guide you on an efficient, appropriately sized furnace for your home.

For an estimate on replacing your water heater or furnace with a more energy-efficient one, call Hillside HVAC for a consultation. In Delaware: 302-738-4144. In Maryland: 410-398-2146.