Tag: bills

Reduce Energy Bills to Save Money for the Holidays

How to Save Money on Heating Bills This Winter 

As the holiday season approaches, many individuals are looking for ways to save money, including on energy bills. Whether it’s to offset the cost of holiday shopping or simply to reduce energy consumption, there are several ways to reduce the heating system’s operating costs. Here are recommendations from experts for ways to save money on energy bills while not sacrificing heating and comfort.  

Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

thermostatOne of the easiest ways to save money on energy bills is to upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat. These thermostats allow for the scheduling of temperature settings in advance, which can lead to savings by reducing the amount of time the system is heating an empty house.

Programmable thermostats allow for the setting of different temperatures at different times of the day. Smart thermostats take this a step further with many advanced features that can learn the schedule and preferences of the user and adjust the temperature accordingly. Some energy-saving features of smart thermostats that can reduce energy costs include:

  • Geofencing: Smart thermostats can use location-based technology from smartphones to adjust the temperature when the user is not home and automatically heat the home just before they return.
  • Smart Scheduling: Smart thermostats can learn the schedule and preferences of the user and adjust the temperature accordingly, so users don’t have to sacrifice comfort for lower energy bills.
  • Energy Usage Reports: Many smart thermostats provide energy usage reports, which can help users identify more areas for energy savings. 

Replace Air Filters

air filterAnother simple way to save money on energy bills is to change the air filter on time. A dirty air filter can cause the HVAC system to work harder, which can lead to increased energy consumption and operating costs. Changing the air filter on time can lead to the system working more efficiently, saving on energy bills. 

It’s recommended to check filters every month and replace them when they look dirty. They usually need to be replaced every three months at a minimum to keep the heating system working efficiently and to keep energy costs low. Not replacing them when needed can also lead to problems for the system that could require repair or replacement, which are more costs that can be avoided with air filter replacement. 

Regular Maintenance

Routine HVAC maintenance is also essential for ensuring the system runs efficiently. Regular maintenance can help identify and fix issues before they become more expensive problems, leading to energy savings and reduced repair costs. Annual heating maintenance is recommended in the fall so the heater works most efficiently during cold weather when it is used most. Benefits of regular heater maintenance include:

  • Improved Efficiency: Regular maintenance can help ensure the system runs at its best, leading to significant energy bill savings.
  • Extended System Life: Regular maintenance can help extend the heating system’s life, which can save money in the long run by preventing having to pay for replacement sooner than needed.
  • Fewer Repairs: Regular maintenance can help identify and fix any minor issues before they become major problems and reduce the risk of future issues, saving money on repair costs.

Implementing these three strategies can help individuals keep their heating systems in good condition and save money on energy bills during the holidays and beyond. 

About RiverView Mechanical

RiverView Mechanical is a locally owned plumbing, air conditioning, and heating company serving Hallam and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for smart thermostat installation, AC or furnace filter replacement, or heating maintenance and repair in Hallam, PA. 

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3 Money-Saving Tips for Summertime Water Bills

Spend Less Money This Summer on Water 

Summertime means homeowners will be looking at an increase in their water bills. Between the additional showers needed to wash up after outdoor adventures, the amount of water consumed to stay hydrated, and the usage of water as homeowners tend to their gardens and lawns, homeowners can see the cost of their utility bill rise during the hotter months. However, there are some ways that homeowners can conserve water to mitigate these higher costs.

Purchase and Install a Water-Saving Device 

shower Homeowners should consider a plumbing upgrade if they’re looking to lower their water usage, as many water-saving devices are available today. For example, many low-flow showerheads use less water while maintaining water pressure, and water-saving toilets use around 20% less water per year using a two-flush system. 

More devices can also help homeowners save on water, like the ECO Shower Drop, which measures the water a homeowner uses when showering and notifies them when it’s time to get out. Similarly, a device called Water Pebble also measures the amount of water used when a shower. This device sits at the plughole of the shower or bathtub and will light up in an amber color when it has reached half of the acceptable amount of water.

Don’t Waste too Much Water on the Lawn

lawn When taking care of the lawn, homeowners can waste a lot of water by not knowing the appropriate measures to tend to their yard. Watering the lawn is best done in the early morning, before sunrise. This will ensure that there will be less water evaporation since it will still be cool outside. Less water evaporation means more water for the plants per watering, which means less water will need to be used to keep them fed. 

Also, homeowners that live in certain areas can anticipate wetter conditions and plan accordingly. These wet conditions can allow homeowners to skip watering their lawn and garden, as the summer rain will be enough to give the plants the nutrients they need. With rain, homeowners can avoid turning on the hose or sprinkler and thus save money on their water bills. 

Additional Steps to Limiting Water Usage

Aside from installing water-saving devices and limiting how much water is used in the garden, there are some additional ways homeowners can limit their water usage. These ways include checking for and repairing leaks, taking shorter showers, discontinuing water usage while brushing teeth and shaving, and using the dishwasher and washing machine for full loads. 

Also, homeowners can save water by not letting the faucet run idly when hand-washing dishes. These water conservation methods will help homeowners fight against wasting water and high water bills.

About RiverView Mechanical 

RiverView Mechanical is a locally-owned and operated company committed to providing the residents of Hellam, PA, and the surrounding areas with high-quality repairs at fair, honest prices. They offer straightforward pricing, emergency service, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services in Hellam, PA.

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