Tips, Tricks & Information for 2024
With 2024 underway, many families may be wondering what changes to make to keep costs manageable this year, especially with HVAC industry changes on the horizon (more on that later in this blog.)
It’s easy to overlook what it costs to power a home. What may seem like a few cents can quickly add up, especially if there are unaddressed issues making your equipment work harder than necessary. By changing just a few daily habits, you may notice lower monthly utility bills.
A great first step? Let us check out your heating, cooling, plumbing and electric. Scheduling routine maintenance, such as a residential water heater inspection for your Tampa, FL, home, will allow us to identify and address issues that may be causing energy waste.
Your Guide to Energy Savings in 2024
Electric
Let’s start with a few ways to keep your power use in check.
- When electricity demand is higher, like on a hot summer day, kilowatt-hours (kWh) to power your home will cost more. Consider using appliances at off-peak hours to keep costs down.
- Choose LED lightbulbs. They are up to 80% more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, last longer and don’t give off any heat.
- Save with smart technology, like smart outlets and bulbs. They can be programmed to turn off when not in use and operated remotely.
- Check out the next list …
Heating & Cooling
Let’s get more specific. Adjusting your heating and cooling usage, which contributes significantly to power consumption, can make a big difference month after month.
- Start by replacing your air filters. A simple swap every three months will promote clean air and a healthy system.
- Temperature plays a big role in system operation. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically set the temperature to ideal levels throughout the day.
- Seal any air leaks in your ducts, doors and windows. When air escapes, your system must work harder to replace what’s been lost.
- Replace old systems. Units over 10 years old simply cannot beat the efficiency of a new, modern unit. You’ll save on repair costs, too.
The AIM Act Brings Big Changes to Refrigerants
It’s always a great time to make adjustments that will save you money, but that’s especially true with upcoming changes to refrigerant regulation in 2024.
The AIM (American Innovation and Manufacturing) Act, established in 2020, was adopted to help reduce reliance on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in home cooling over the next decade and beyond. HFCs are the refrigerants many air conditioners use to cool indoor air. They are great in that role, but not so great for the environment if they leak out of your system.
In the fight against global warming, more eco-friendly refrigerants are becoming the new standard in home cooling and refrigeration. That means new, more expensive equipment will become the norm over the next several years. It also means maintaining old, HFC-reliant equipment may become more costly to repair and maintain.
At Cornerstone Pros, we’re committed to helping you keep your home comfort as affordable and efficient as possible. Based on your unique situation, we’ll be happy to provide you with our professional opinion on maintaining your current system or upgrading to a new one to avoid increased costs.
We Always Have the Solution!
If you need help reducing your energy usage in the new year or navigating the upcoming industry changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
From tips and tricks to bigger fixes like electric hot water repair for your Tampa home, we’re always ready to answer your call and lend a helping hand.
Reach out to us at 813.993.7995 to schedule a consultation or speak to a member of our team!
