Finding the balance between a comfortable temperature and low utility bills can seem like a year-round struggle, especially with the unpredictable Lubbock weather. At Lowery Plumbing, Heating, and Air, we understand that challenge. We’re here to help you make the best decisions for your home- and your wallet. No matter the season, these energy-saving tips can help lower utility bills and improve HVAC efficiency when temperatures get extreme:
Spring and Summer: Energy-Saving Tips for Warmer Weather
As the weather begins to warm up, use these seasonal HVAC settings and tips to ensure your home is properly prepared to handle the higher temps:
- Optimize Your Thermostat Settings: To maximize savings in the summer, it is recommended to set your A/C to 78°F while you’re home and turn it up a few degrees when you’re away. Avoid running your A/C until it is consistently above 65°F outside to avoid system damage.
- Clear AC Units: Remove debris from outdoor units and fan blades, and check indoor components like vents to ensure they are clean and unblocked.
- Use Ceiling Fans Wisely: Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise in the summer to create a wind chill effect. Fans cool people, not rooms, so remember to turn it off when you leave a room.
- Block Out Heat: Close curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day (2-4 p.m.) and try to save heat-generating tasks, like cooking or laundry, for the mornings and evenings.
Fall and Winter: HVAC Tips for the Cooler Months
Cooler weather means you need to shift your approach to heating and cooling. These tips will help you maintain HVAC efficiency while staying cozy:
- Set Your Thermostat Efficiently: In the winter, set your thermostat to 68°F while you’re home and lower it at night or when you’re away. Turn on your heater once temps are consistently below 55°F outside to avoid overworking your system and spiking your bills.
- Reverse Ceiling Fans: It may seem counterintuitive to use a fan when it’s cold, but switching your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise helps to push warm air from the ceiling down into the room.
- Use the Sun’s Heat: Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to naturally heat your home and help your heater out.
- Prepare Your HVAC System: Clean or replace furnace filters, seal any ductwork leaks, and schedule an HVAC inspection to ensure the best performance year-round.
Year-Round HVAC Efficiency
No matter the season, these habits can help keep your HVAC system in top shape year-round:
- Regularly Change Air Filters: It is recommended that you change your air filters at least every 90 days. In dusty areas like Lubbock, consider checking your air filters every 30 days.
- Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows for better temperature regulation.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance: Regular HVAC maintenance can ensure your system is in top-notch condition for years. Consider getting biannual inspections- one before summer and one before fall.
- Upgrade Your System: If your home is on the older side, it may be time to upgrade your HVAC system. Lowery offers reliable American Standard products designed for high efficiency and lower energy bills.
Trust the Lubbock Experts at Lowery Plumbing Heating and Air!
No matter the season, Lowery is here to ensure that your HVAC system runs smoothly and keeps you comfortable without high bills. As Lubbock’s 24/7 HVAC specialists, we’re ready to handle any project you need. Call today to schedule an inspection or request a free estimate!