The average family spends about $2200 on energy every year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. For many people, the biggest single energy expense is the electric bill. The need for electricity will never go away, but there are ways to spend less and still stay plugged in.
Should I leave my AC fan on all the time?
The primary benefit to leaving your AC fan running all the time is that it circulates air more frequently. This can help with more even heating and cooling inside the home. It can also help move cleaner air throughout the house, which helps allergy sufferers. Less frequent starts and stops of the fan can also extend its lifespan, because the stress of startups is reduced.
Unusual noises. High energy bills. Heat is on, but you’re shivering.
Do programmable thermostats save money?
How willing are you to be a little cold in the winter or hot in the summer?
Can you keep your finger off the thermostat?
Let's look at the numbers. Programmable thermostats typically cost three times as much as manual ones. Let's say we are going to spend $150 on a programmable thermostat, hoping to get that money back with a lower energy bill.
But can you save that 6.5 percent?
If you let your home get uncomfortably hot or cold when you are away and then burn energy getting comfortable when you get home, you won't save much. Experts say you must be willing tosave energy when you are home as well as away. Giving up one degree of climate comfort generally translates into one percent of energy savings.
How often should I change my air conditioner filter? Sooner or later, everyone ends up asking that question. Some of them ask it right after they are presented with a large repair bill that could have been prevented with a few dollars and a few minutes of work.