Understanding how to cool your home efficiently is essential for maintaining comfort and reducing utility bills, especially during the hot Massachusetts summers.

Whether you’re looking to improve your energy efficiency or seeking practical tips to keep your home cool, this blog has something for you.

So, what are our 5 HVAC Tips to Lower Utility Bills This Summer?

We'll be delving into how these tips can lower your utility bills this summer:

1. Set your thermostat efficiently

2. The benefits of programmable & smart thermostats

3. Seal leaks & insulate your home

4. Regularly change air filters

5. Utilize ceiling fans
   

Set Your Thermostat Efficiently

Setting your thermostat efficiently can make a significant difference in your energy bills.

You might be wondering, does setting your thermostat to 78°F really save money? 

The short answer is yes, but there’s a reason for it.

By maintaining an indoor temperature close to the outdoor temperature while you're home and increasing it when you're away, you can optimize your cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.

While it may seem counterintuitive, with this approach you're helping your HVAC system to operate more efficiently by reducing its workload your lowering your energy consumption thus lowering your utility bills.

For a deeper dive into how this all works and why it is effective, check out our detailed blog: Does Setting Your Thermostat to 78°F Really Save Money? Here's the Truth

Quick Tips

• Set your thermostat to 78°F when you're at home.

• Increase the temperature by 7-10 degrees when you're away.

• Save 3% on your utility bill for each degree increase, according to the DOE (Department of Energy).

The Benefits of Programmable & Smart Thermostats

Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. Studies show that homeowners can save up to $180 a year by using programmable thermostats effectively.

Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat has advanced features like remote controlled temperature settings, ability to learn your preferences, and provide energy usage reports. These devices can learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically, offering significant energy savings. Some smart thermostats can save up to 23% on heating and cooling costs annually.

Seal Leaks & Insulate your home

Sealing leaks and properly insulating your home can have a significant impact on your utility bills and help you to maintain an energy-efficient home. Here's what to do:

Inspect for Leaks

• Check windows, doors, and ducts for air leaks.

• Seal them with weatherstripping or caulking to prevent cool air from escaping.

• According to the EPA, sealing leaks can improve HVAC efficiency by 20%.
  

Insulate Properly

• Insulation helps keep the cool air in and the hot air out.

• Ensure your home is adequately insulated, particularly the attic, walls, and basement.
  

• The EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation.

Use Curtains and Blinds

• Close curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to block out the sun and reduce the indoor temperature.

• This simple step can lower indoor temperatures up by to 20 degrees.
  

Regularly Change Air Filters

Dirty air filters can significantly reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency. Here’s why regular filter changes are important:

Maintain Airflow

• Clean filters ensure proper airflow, reducing the strain on your system and improving efficiency. A clogged filter can cause your system to use 15% more energy than a clean one.
  

Improve Air Quality

• Regularly changing filters keeps dust, pollen, and other allergens from circulating in your home, enhancing indoor air quality.
  

Save Energy

• A clean filter can lower your HVAC system's energy consumption by 5-15%.

Utilize ceiling fans

Ceiling fans can complement your HVAC system and help reduce energy costs. Here’s how:

Works With AC To Keep You Cool

• Use fans in conjunction with your air conditioner to circulate cool air more efficiently, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher. According to Energy.gov, using ceiling fans can allow you to raise the thermostat setting by about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.
  

Counterclockwise Rotation

• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise during the summer to create a cooling breeze.
  

Turn Off When Not in Use

• Fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave the room to save energy.

Investing in Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning

Lastly, you may also consider investing in energy-efficient air conditioning. Newer Energy Star® certified systems that have a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) rating can be 15% more efficient than older models.

Thus, replacing an old HVAC unit with an Energy Star® rated one can save you up to 20% on cooling costs.

Conclusion - HVAC tips to Lower Utility Bills This Summer

By following these energy-efficient cooling tips, you can enjoy a comfortable home while lowering your utility bills.

1. Set your thermostat to 78°F

2. Save on cost with programmable and smart thermostats

3. Seal leaks and insulate your home to save on cooling cost and increase indoor comfort.

4. Regularly change air filters to maintain your HVAC systems efficiency.

5. Use ceiling fans with your AC to keep you cool.

At Victoria Services Inc., we are here to help you with all your HVAC needs, from maintenance to upgrades. Read more valuable summer HVAC cooling insights in our "Beat the Heat" blog series!

Ready to take control of your home’s comfort?