{"id":386,"date":"2014-06-17T09:53:49","date_gmt":"2014-06-17T13:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.cocalicoph.com\/?p=386"},"modified":"2025-08-20T13:30:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T17:30:16","slug":"ways-to-save-heating-cooling-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cocalicoph.com\/blog\/ways-to-save-heating-cooling-home\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Tips for Saving on Home Heating & Cooling Costs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ACThe Department of Energy calculates that heating and air conditioning account for nearly half the energy used in a typical home. It can be as much as 56% of your overall utility costs. That’s more than all the light bulbs, the dishwasher, the refrigerator, the hot water heater and the washer and dryer, combined.<\/p>\n

The more efficient your heating<\/a> and cooling system<\/a> is, the less energy it will use. Whether you\u2019re using heat pumps or a window air conditioning unit, it\u2019s important to keep your heating and air conditioning systems well maintained.<\/p>\n

There are many ways to cut costs for heating and cooling your home. Some require an up-front financial investment to realize significant, long-term savings, while others are simple and free!<\/p>\n

To better manage your home’s energy costs, we suggest the following steps:<\/p>\n

6 Tips for Lowering the Cost of Heating & Air Conditioning<\/h2>\n

1. Regularly scheduled maintenance.<\/strong> Have your heating and cooling system inspected every six months. Better yet, sign up for regular preventative maintenance<\/a> to make sure your system is always operating at top speed at the lowest cost.<\/p>\n

2. Have a programmable thermostat installed. <\/strong>This helps regulate indoor temperatures for a small up front investment (as low as $200 not including installation). This can save as much as 12% over the year.<\/p>\n

3. Replace outdated, \u201clow-SEER\u201d heat pumps with newer, higher-efficiency heat pumps.<\/strong> This is one of the best ways to reduce costs and many HVAC contractors offer competitive payment programs <\/a>or ways to use state and federal rebate incentives.<\/p>\n

4. Go mini!<\/strong> If you have window AC units, consider upgrading to high-efficiency, low cost and maintenance ductless mini splits. Mini splits provide spot heating and cooling for single rooms or whole homes.<\/p>\n

5. Change the filters on your air conditioning unit and dust the coils regularly.<\/strong> This will help the system work more efficiently.<\/p>\n

6. Get an energy audit<\/a>.<\/strong> We’ll come to your house and review your overall energy usage and make recommendations on where you could save on costs. Call 717-738-0760<\/a> to learn more or to schedule a home energy audit with us.<\/p>\n

\n

BONUS: 6 Simple Ways to Shave Energy Costs Right Now<\/h2>\n

Here are some additional steps you can take today to reduce your energy costs:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Energy-efficient light bulbs often cost several dollars more than standard light bulbs, but pay for themselves in about 3 years.<\/li>\n
  2. Caulk around windows and weather-strip doors to prevent conditioned air from leaking out. A $3 tube of caulk can make a big difference.<\/li>\n
  3. Use window curtains or shades to keep out the sun during the heat of the day.<\/li>\n
  4. Cook on an outdoor grill or use an electric crock pot to avoid using the oven.<\/li>\n
  5. Cut your daily shower from 15 minutes to 10. You\u2019ll save water and electricity.<\/li>\n
  6. If you use an electric water heater<\/a>, reduce the temperature setting to 120 degrees.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n

    Save on Energy Costs Today<\/h2>\n

    To learn how you can save money on your heating, cooling, and water costs each month, contact Cocalico Plumbing & Heating<\/a> today. Our technicians can walk through your house and offer you cost-saving suggestions for improving your home.<\/p>\n

    Sources:<\/strong>
    \nAmerican Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
    \nLowe’s Home Improvement
    \nXcel Energy
    \nThe Wall Street Journal<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The Department of Energy calculates that heating and air conditioning account for nearly half the energy used in a typical home. It can be as much as 56% of your overall utility costs. That’s more than all the light bulbs, the dishwasher, the refrigerator, the hot water heater and the washer and dryer, combined. The<\/p>\nRead More »<\/a>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1128,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,16,7],"tags":[10,9,13],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n