Homeowners across Arizona have seen energy bills skyrocket during this unseasonably cold winter. The good news is that there are some simple ways to slash your utility bills while still keeping your home toasty warm and comfortable. So, grab a comfy blanket and a warm cup of your favorite beverage, and let’s get saving!

1. Close Doors in Unused Rooms

Just like turning off the lights when you leave a room, the same thing goes for closing the door when you leave a room. Keeping the door shut enables the heat to stay in a room, enabling your HVAC system to not have to keep pumping out air to warm the room.

2.Program The Thermostat

Your thermostat can be a surprisingly effective tool when it comes to saving on your home heating bill. The Department of Energy estimates that homeowners can save up to 10% annually on their home heating bills by lowering their thermostat seven degrees. That’s a big savings by simply lowering the temperature while you’re at work, on vacation, or asleep.

3.Change Out Air Filters

You could be throwing dollars away simply because you haven’t replaced your HVAC system filters. This is an easy project that should be done each month. By doing so, you can reduce the load on your system which in turn saves you money.

4.Lower Water Heater Setting

The factory default for water heaters is typically 120 degrees. You definitely don’t need water this hot to take a shower or to do your dishes. Since the water heater is one of the primary users of electricity or gas in a home, turning down the temperature can go a long way towards reducing your heating costs.

5.Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance on your heating system is the best way to keep it working optimally. A system that is properly running will use less power and stay working longer.

6.Clear Heating Vents

Keep all vents and your HVAC unit outdoors free of debris and vegetation. Not only will this prevent fires, but it will also make sure your air is clean and the lifespan of your system is maintained for the duration it’s designed for.

Saving on you heating energy bills allows your budget some room to breathe. Put the savings aside and use it for your other family goals this year. The professionals at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating have additional ways to help you save on your heating bills. Give us a call today at 480-968-5652.

Here in the Valley of the Sun, we’re used to our utility bills spiking in the summer due to air conditioning costs. Yet, there is often a secondary spike in the winter when temperatures dip below freezing. With the recent chilly, wet weather, we wanted to share a few tips to help you save on your home heating costs.

Set Efficient Zones

Would your family only be using a small part of your home on a regular basis? You may want to consider upgrading your existing heater with a ductless or zoned ducted system. This system will save you money by not having to heat or cool areas in your home where you hardly spend any time. By utilizing a zoned ductless system, you’ll be gaining from an efficient system using energy where it’s needed in the living spaces you use most.

Let the Sun In

One of the easiest ways to passively heat your house is to take full advantage of the sun’s energy to heat your home’s interior. In the mornings, open up south facing curtains, blinds, and drapes to make use of solar heat and close them before sunset. Capturing the sun’s rays works even better when your home has concrete, tile, or stone flooring. These types of materials are able to soak up a great deal of heat and release it slowly.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

If you haven’t already done so, you’ll want to reverse your ceiling fan settings. This will send warm air upward. The warm air will eventually drop back down and mix with the rest of the air in the room, slowly raising the ambient temperature.

Fill In Gaps

Improperly insulated window frames, recessed lighting fixtures, power sockets, electrical boxes, and doors are the biggest sources of heat loss in houses. You’ll want to DIY or use your trustworthy local HVAC experts to use expanding foam, caulk, and foam strips to seal air gaps in your home. Installing thick curtains can help insulate glass windows and doors. For single-glazed windows, you can install transparent polythene film to window frames to mimic double-glazed windows.

The right climate control upgrades done inside your home will help your family stay comfortable, decrease winter utility bills, and allow for the full flow of warm air. Call your professionals at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating for additional ways to save you money on home heating costs. Our experts are available today at 480-968-5652 to help you 24/7/365.

Heat pumps have become increasingly popular for home comfort in the Valley of the Sun, despite gas furnaces still being the most common source of heat for homeowners in the United States. If you’re thinking about replacing your current source of heating for your home, here’s what you need to know.

Heat Pumps

Some homeowners are reluctant to choose a heat pump because they’ve heard that they don’t effectively heat in all climates. It’s true that heat pumps aren’t ideal for temperatures that fall below freezing. However, this is rarely the situation in the Phoenix metro area. The cooling ability of a heat pump is the same as any air conditioner of the same size.
Because heat pumps offer both heating and cooling in just one unit, they typically cost far less to operate than gas furnaces. In fact, heat pumps can save a typical household up to 30 percent off their annual heating bills, according to one government study. They’re durable with a lifespan of at least 15 years or more for a unit that is well-maintained.

Gas Furnaces

Many homeowners are familiar with the tried-and-true gas furnace as their main source of heat. They’re essentially a forced-air system that works off a set temperature on your thermostat. When the air temperature inside your house falls below the set temperature, the pilot light on the gas furnace ignites the primary burner of the heat exchanger. The furnace heats the cool air and distributes it around the various rooms in your home. The heat emanating from a gas furnace is generally over 110 degrees. That means the inside of your house will heat up quickly.
Gas furnaces use propane or natural gas and are known for their reliability and efficiency. Gas furnaces though pose more health risks due to improper handling and maintenance. These include fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. More maintenance is necessary, and gas furnaces are typically more expensive and not as eco-friendly as heat pumps.

Which Is the Better Option?

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act has boosted the incentive to install an electric heat pump. The new law provides homeowners tax incentives and rebates for installing climate change friendly heat pumps. Considering Arizona’s hot summers and mild winters, typically the better option would be a heat pump. Of course, the ultimate decision is with you.
Ready to learn more about heat pumps and gas furnaces? Call your local HVAC expert technicians at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating today at 480-968-5652. Bruce’s is your Arizona resource for all your home heating and air conditioning needs.