5 Ways to Save on Heating and Cooling Costs in the Home

These days Americans are looking for more ways to save money around the home. When home improvements were once highly cosmetic they have now shifted to a more economical status. The amount of energy used for heating and cooling the home and water temperatures throughout the home can cost hundreds of additional dollars each year. Start controlling the amount of energy that is used to perform these vital home functions and you could see yourself saving up to $1000 per year on your energy bills!

Program Your Thermostats: The amount of energy that is essentially wasted on cooling costs in the home is unbelievable. A programmable thermostat that is Energy Star approved can help you save in excess of $500 per year on your heating and cooling costs in the home. The best part-these thermostats only cost about $50 on the high end and they can bring up to a 1,000 percent in savings just over the first year after you install one in your home. For maximum energy savings you should set the thermostat to automatically lower the temperature in the home overnight by 5-7 degrees.

Install Energy Efficient Water Heaters: The water heater in your home could be costing you in excess of $30 per year in unnecessary heating costs due a lack of energy efficiency. An Energy Star water heater costs about $200 and could save you an average of $30 or more per year on energy costs over it's 10-15 year lifespan.

Insulate Water Heaters: The water heater in your home will work far more efficiently if it is insulated with a wrap. Insulating jackets for water heaters are available at local home improvement stores and can save on heating costs. A simple fix, wrapping or insulating your home water heater could save up to $100 per year on water heating costs.

Install Ceiling Fans and Only Use them When you are in the Room: Ceiling fans will help save up to 15% on cooling costs through the summer months. An Energy Star ceiling fan can increase your cooling efficiency by creating a wind chill effect when you are in the room. For maximum cooling savings make sure that you turn ceiling fans off when you are not in the room! Don't forget to use the ceiling fan in the winter months too. A ceiling fan can help to push warm air down to a level at which you will feel it saving on home heating costs as well!

Replace Central Air Filters Regularly: Your air conditioner uses a filter to keep dirt and debris out of the air and the unit. Simply replacing the air filters in your unit at monthly intervals will save up to $100 per year on heating and cooling costs. Additional savings can be rendered by using washable lifetime filters that do not actually have to be replaced but can be washed and reused. This will save you an additional $20 or more per year on the cost of filters.