When the warmer weather comes around, and the air conditioner is cranked up, the energy bill can spike for the season. On top of that, if there are any issues with your cooling system, and it is working harder than it needs to just to cool down the home, it can become more expensive. With that in mind, the best way to keep the costs down is to ensure everything is working properly. At Hutchinson, we offer at-home energy audits to assess your energy efficiency. Furthermore, there are programs available that provide financing should you qualify for them. Basically, it pays to save.
On the other hand, there are certain steps you can take on your own to cut down costs throughout the home. We will review some of those below.
DIY Energy Inspection
Before calling the professionals, there are several quick things to check out at-home:
- When possible, be sure to use LED or energy-saving incandescent bulbs throughout the home. Switching the lighting can help cut costs, especially depending on how many light bulbs your home requires.
- Switch to energy-efficient appliances. If you are not currently using certified ENERGY STAR certified appliances, you are missing out on opportunities to save on your bill. On top of that, particular programs are available for those who own these appliances, but we will get into that more later.
Schedule A Professional Energy Audit
In order to understand the level of energy that is being consumed in your home, a professional can perform an energy audit. An auditor will assess where there are gaps in the home’s efficiency, and consequently, where there is an area for improvement. Those problem areas, or gaps, can be anything from leaks to insulation issues to even problems with the water heater. No matter what it is, the energy auditor will take a thorough look around your home and even outside to determine the source.
By going through the entire process, you can obtain a wide range of information about the home and how it’s functioning. Ultimately, by ensuring there are no leaks or insulation problems in the home, for example, you can be sure that you are getting the most out of your cooling systems for the season.
Energy Assistance Programs
Additionally, by going through an energy audit, one can determine if they qualify for any energy assistance programs.
New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program
This program offers financial incentives and rebates across households in the state of New Jersey. When you own Energy Star appliances, you are eligible to receive rebates through this program. These certified energy-efficient products can offer up to $4,000 back in your pocket while saving nearly 30% on your energy bill. With that said, it is definitely a worthwhile investment. For more information on the program, click here.
Professional Services
When ready for an energy audit, much-needed maintenance, or repair on your cooling or heating system, trust Hutchinson. After all, we are a plumbing, energy, heating, and AC company, and we have been in business for around 50 years. Schedule your service today!