Options to Save Money on Heating and Cooling

With that nation seeing some of the hottest summers and coldest winters on record, many people are looking to save money on their utility bills. The information can be confusing with natural gas companies urging consumers to use gas heat and electric companies urging companies to get a heat pump. Each utility company and manufacturer has an argument for both.

Equipment options to save money on heating and cooling your home

Electric company officials say a heat pump is the most economical and efficient system available. According to the Southern Company, a leading provider of electricity in the South, heat pumps can last up to 20 years. There are many different types of heat pumps consumers can choose. The most common is the air source heat pump, which is located outside the home. This type of unit converts outside air to transfer heat or cooling.

A natural gas heat pump is similar to an electric heat pump. The pump uses a refrigerant to heat or cool your home, like an air conditioner in the summer or a heater in the winter. In touting their product, gas companies say that their product will last longer than an electric heat pump.

In recent years, commercials featuring the "battle" between "electricity" and propane have been very popular. According to www.usepropane.com, propane-fueled furnaces last 15 to 20 years. The problem is, houses cannot be cooled with propane.

Tips to save money-no matter how you heat or cool your home

How you heat or cool you home is a matter of personal preference. But there are things you can do to save money on electrical bills. Georgia Power has issued these tips to help you reduce your utility bills.

Set your thermostats at 78º F in the summer and 68º F in the winter and leave them there. You can immediately realize a 3% to 5% decrease in energy use for every degree you adjust the thermostat setting above or below your normal setting.
Make sure furniture, curtains and rugs don't block the flow of air from vents and air registers.
Maintain heating and cooling unit efficiency by changing your filters monthly during the heating and cooling season. If you have pleated filters, change them at least every three months.
Clean dust from supply and return air grilles and heating outlets.
Make sure the caulk and weather-stripping around your windows and doors is in good shape. If the caulk is cracked or the weather-stripping is flat or peeling, replace the old material.
Seal around wiring and plumbing penetrations. Use caulk for small holes and expanding foam for larger areas. This will keep unconditioned air from entering the house.
Make sure your ductwork is properly sealed. Cracks in joints and at plenums can cause your heating and cooling bills to increase by as much as 30% and can allow outside air to enter your home.
Install programmable thermostats to automatically reduce energy usage when you are normally away from home. Programmable thermostats, when used properly will help you reduce your heating and cooling energy costs.
Have your heating and cooling system professionally serviced annually to keep them running at top efficiency. 7
Practical ways to lower energy usage

In the winter

Open curtains and shades to let the sun warm your home naturally.
If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use. This will keep cold air from coming down the chimney and into your home. It also will reduce warm air loss from your home.
Dress warmly, even indoors. This will allow you to set your thermostat a few degrees lower and still stay comfortable.
In the summer

Keep curtains and shades closed during the summer, especially on the east and west sides of your home.
Avoid using appliances that give off heat during the hottest times of the day as they will make your cooling system work that much harder. Do your cooking, washing and drying clothes in the morning or in the late evening, when the demand on your cooling system is less.
Use ceiling fans to supplement air conditioners. This can make the air feel up to 6 degrees cooler. They cost less than one cent per hour to run.
If your cooling system runs continuously, but doesn't seem to be cooling adequately, change your filter. If that doesn't work, have a dealer check to see if refrigerant is low or if the coils are dirty.
Keep plants and brush at least three feet away from outside units so they can operate more efficiently.