Even in places like Oak Harbor which typically experience mild summer weather, keeping your home cool can still be quite costly. The steadily rising energy prices mean that most homeowners are constantly looking for ways to lower their energy costs without sacrificing their home comfort. If you’re looking to save some money on your energy bills this summer, here are a few simple tips you should definitely consider. 1. Schedule an AC Tune-Up Having your AC system professionally serviced, cleaned and inspected is essential for limiting how much energy the system uses. If the system isn’t serviced yearly, it can start to experience a variety of issues that reduce its energy efficiency and limit its effectiveness. Issues like leaking ductwork or a dirty evaporator coil can potentially increase energy usage by 25% or more, and these can easily be avoided by scheduling an annual AC tune-up service. Having the system inspected is also important for identifying and preventing issues that could cause the system to break down or shorten the lifespan of your AC unit. 2. Keep Window Coverings Closed During the Day Windows are always one of the biggest sources of heat gain. If you leave your curtains, drapes...
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Comfortable indoor climates don’t necessarily have to come at a high price. With wintertime coming, homeowners in Oak Harbor, WA, expect their utility costs to jump significantly as they run their heaters at max capacity for most of the day. But that’s simply not reality. You can easily keep heating costs relatively low without losing a thumb to the freezing cold temperatures. Here are a few tips on how to do just that. Lower Your Thermostat Setting Lower your thermostat settings to reduce your air conditioner’s runtime. According to experts, dropping your thermostat setting by 1 degree can save you 1% on your heating costs every eight hours. Set the thermostat to the lowest temperature possible during nighttime while you’re asleep to save as much as 13% on heating costs overnight. To make it easier to regulate indoor temperatures, use a programmable thermostat. If you are using an outdated thermostat, consider investing in a new one to get all the energy-saving features available. Dress for the Weather Just as you wear shorts and loose clothing during the sweltering summertime, you should wear warm clothing during the wintertime. If you don’t have a cozy sweater or long pants, you can stay...
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The holiday season comes with many concerns for homeowners. Whether guests visit during the winter season or the homeowner spends time by him/herself, there’s no escaping the cold weather. During harsh winter seasons, keeping a home heated at desired levels supports both comfort and safety. Cost considerations may arise, as running a furnace comes with unavoidable bills. In general, there are ways to heat a home “a little better.” Here are some ideas to think about. Avoid Clutter Near the Furnace When expecting guests, you may think about their safety and move objects out of the bathroom, living room, and other areas. Since few people may walk near or around the furnace, the area becomes a preferred spot for storage. That could turn out to be a drastic and dangerous mistake. Putting anything flammable near the furnace might turn into a tragedy, which is why cluttering the heater area seems like an awful plan. Better to be safe and keep the area clear of clutter. You’ll sleep easier for it. Put a New Filter Into the Furnace If the furnace’s filter is both old and dirty, putting a new one in its place seems advisable. An old furnace presents air...
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