Energy bills in Colorado can spike dramatically during extreme weather. The good news? With a few strategic changes, most homeowners can cut their heating and cooling costs by 20% or more. At Summit Heating & Air, we help Longmont families stay comfortable while keeping bills manageable. Here is how.
1. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
A programmable or smart thermostat can save you up to $180 per year by automatically adjusting temperatures when you are away or asleep. Set it to 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer while you are home, and let it drop 7-10 degrees when you are away. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and optimize automatically.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Up to 30% of heating and cooling energy is lost through air leaks. Caulk around windows and door frames, add weatherstripping to exterior doors, and seal gaps around outlets, light fixtures, and plumbing penetrations. A $50 investment in caulk and weatherstripping can pay for itself in a single month.
3. Change Your Air Filter Monthly
A clogged filter forces your HVAC system to work up to 15% harder. Set a phone reminder to check your filter every 30 days and replace it when it looks dirty. The $15 filter costs far less than the energy waste of a dirty system.
4. Schedule Annual Maintenance
Professional tune-ups keep your system running at peak efficiency. Our maintenance plan includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, and calibrating thermostats. A well-maintained system uses 10-15% less energy than a neglected one.
5. Use Ceiling Fans Correctly
Ceiling fans do not lower room temperature — they create a wind chill effect that makes you feel cooler. In summer, run fans counterclockwise at medium speed. In winter, reverse to clockwise at low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling. This can let you raise your thermostat 2-4 degrees with no comfort loss.
6. Add Attic Insulation
Colorado homes should have at least R-49 attic insulation (about 16 inches of fiberglass). Many older Longmont homes have half that. Adding insulation is one of the highest-ROI home improvements you can make, often paying for itself in 2-3 years.
7. Close Curtains Strategically
In summer, close south- and west-facing curtains during the hottest part of the day to block solar heat gain. In winter, open them during the day to let the sun warm your home naturally, then close them at night to add an insulating layer.
"After Summit installed a smart thermostat and sealed our ductwork, our summer electric bill dropped from $340 to $215. Best money we have ever spent on the house." — Jennifer K., Longmont
Ready to Lower Your Bills?
Contact Summit Heating & Air at (833) 378-2513 for a free energy audit. We will identify the biggest opportunities for savings in your home and recommend the most cost-effective solutions.