3 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills This Winter

Is your Texas home prepared for the cold?

The Farmer’s Almanac predicts “winter will be colder than normal, with the coldest periods in early to mid-January and early to mid-February” for the Austin/Round Rock area.

Cold weather means higher energy bills. Almost half of your annual energy bill goes toward heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR^®. Part of our mission at AiRCO is to help you trim those costs without compromising your comfort.

How to Reduce Your Energy Bills

Take control of your climate (and your budget) with these three cost-saving tips:

1. Maintain Your System
   Schedule a heating tune-up in September or October to get the best performance from your furnace or heat pump when the cold arrives. A fall tune-up allows our AiRCO professionals to address minor issues before they become costly repairs.

   Check your furnace’s air filter once a month, especially during the winter. A dirty filter slows airflow, forcing your system to work harder and waste energy. At a minimum, clean or replace it every three months.

1. Say No to Drafts
   A little weatherstripping and some caulking in the fall can cut your heating bills by up to 10 percent. Check for drafts around your windows and doors. The most significant air leaks are typically hidden in your attic, basement, or crawl space.

   Schedule an energy audit with AiRCO to pinpoint drafts in your Round Rock home. We’ll offer practical solutions on how to deal with them.

1. Get Smart With Your Thermostat
   A smart thermostat allows you to set your home’s temperature according to your schedule. Doing so means you are no longer heating unoccupied rooms.

   Geofencing lets your smart thermostat know when you’re on the way home and automatically adjusts your home’s temperature to your liking. Smart thermostats also update equipment use and temperature data you can track and manage.

   Smart thermostats have Wi-Fi capability, allowing you to adjust remotely if your schedule changes. Our AiRCO technicians can help you install and program a smart thermostat tailored to your needs.

Upgrade Your Old Equipment

Is your water heater more than 10 years old? Don’t wait for it to fail. The same goes for a furnace that is over 15 years old. Federal tax credits are now available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), saving you hundreds of dollars on your new purchases.

A new ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heater can save a family of four about $550 a year in energy costs. Plus, you can receive up to $2,000 in tax credits on qualifying water heaters.

AiRCO can replace your old furnace and AC unit with a high-efficiency heat pump that can heat and cool your home year-round. Our team can remove your old equipment and install a new system quickly and efficiently. You can also receive a $2,000 tax credit on qualifying heat pumps.

Want to stick with a furnace? The IRA offers a $600 credit on qualifying high-efficiency furnaces. All these upgrades aim to lower your monthly operating costs and reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

Replacing old equipment is a smart move for any homeowner looking to save money. AiRCO can walk you through the entire process, ensuring you buy the best equipment for your needs and budget.

Start Saving Money Today!

Households across America are struggling to keep up with inflation and rising energy costs. AiRCO is here to help lower the energy costs in your Round Rock, Texas, home. Call us today at (512) 537-1234 or request service online to learn more energy-saving tips.