No one likes to waste money on energy, but that’s exactly what millions of homeowners do on a daily basis. If you’re ready to lower utility bills in your Kansas City-area home, follow these seven steps:

1. Purchase a programmable thermostat – There’s no reason to constantly run your HVAC unit when you aren’t home, or even on vacation. A programmable thermostat will keep your use of the HVAC system under control by allowing you to set daily and weekly operating schedules.
2. Add insulation to your attic – If your attic doesn’t have enough insulation, your HVAC unit is likely to work too hard when it isn’t necessary. Of course, too much insulation won’t do you any good, so consult with an HVAC technician if you’re not sure how much to add.
3. Call for an inspection of your HVAC equipment – If your system isn’t running at it peak performance, you could be bleeding money without realizing it. Although this will cost you a small amount of cash, it will help you save in the long run. It’s smart to get into the routine of annual maintenance.
4. Switch your light bulbs – If you haven’t done so already, change as many standard light bulbs as you can for low-energy bulbs. You’ll use only a fraction of energy this way.
5. Take shorter showers – A nice hot bath or shower sure sounds nice, but you’d be surprised how much water is wasted that way, not to mention the energy needed to heat it. Instead, as often as possible take showers that last less than five minutes. This will lower utility bills on two fronts.
6. Unplug appliances – Many newer electronics, even cell-phone chargers, use energy even when you’re not using them. Unplug these as often as possible, and use a power strip whenever possible.
7. Purchase Energy Star equipment and products – Appliances that carry the Energy Star label are more energy efficient and perform as well or getter than other products. You might have to pay a little more money, but the difference in cost is worth it.

For more expert advice on how to achieve lower utility bills, or for any questions relating to home comfort, please contact the friendly professionals at Overland Park Heating & Cooling. We’ve been serving greater Kansas City and the surrounding area since 1983.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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