Save Money for Holiday Gifts by Reducing Heating and Cooling Costs
There are several easy ways to save money for holiday shopping by lowering heating and cooling costs, including:
- Getting rid of old, outdated HVAC equipment
- Keeping the thermostat set at a reasonable level
- Boosting energy efficiency by ensuring the house is airtight
- Changing the HVAC filter
Of course, homeowners may still need some assistance from their local HVAC maintenance company. In this article, experts offer insight into some simple ways to improve energy efficiency and safety this fall.
When Was the Last Time the Air Filter was Changed?
Replacing the air filter every month can reduce overall energy costs by up to 15%. Dirty air filters put an incredible strain on the HVAC system’s efficiency, causing heating and cooling costs to skyrocket. On average, it costs over $100 a month to heat or cool a 2000 square foot home in the United States. A dirty air filter causes that figure to creep up, leaving homeowners with less money in their budget for holiday shopping.

Clean air filters mean fewer repair bills, fewer appointments for maintenance, and less money being wasted due to poor energy efficiency - money that could be going toward shopping for gifts!
Upgrade To a Programmable Thermostat

Upgrading to a programmable thermostat can be extremely advantageous in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings. A homeowner has much more control over the home’s heating and cooling. For example, the thermostat can be programmed to adjust the heater or air conditioning automatically during the workweek. In other words, if no one is home Monday through Friday from 9-5, the house can be kept at a different temperature than it would be during the hours when the house is occupied. Automatic thermostat adjustments are quite convenient in terms of cost savings.
Additionally, programmable thermostats allow different zones of the house to be heated at variable temperatures. That way, if a certain area of the house is not regularly used, it can be set to a cooler temperature than the zones that are. Smart programmable thermostats can also be monitored and controlled remotely so that a homeowner can control the home’s temperature from anywhere. Alerts, warnings, and other information can also be received immediately if a problem with the HVAC system arises.
Schedule Heater/AC Maintenance Today
Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance is a must; preventative, routine repairs are a much smarter option than waiting for disaster to strike. HVAC technicians can make sure the heating and cooling systems are in good working order and perform any necessary repairs right away to prevent any failure. Proper energy efficiency is checked, whether it’s the heater or the air conditioner being worked on.
Regular HVAC maintenance can also keep the home safer - it reduces the risk of hazards such as a burst pipe or a carbon monoxide leak in the winter.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling is a team of HVAC experts providing a wide array of HVAC services in the Tri-Valley/Livermore area since 1998. They take pride in keeping their customers comfortable all year long, with the utmost attention to professionalism, customer service, and unparalleled work quality. Contact Barker Heating & Cooling to schedule an appointment today to schedule HVAC maintenance before the temperature plummets!