How to Lower Your Heating and Cooling Energy Bills in Upstate SC and Central AL
Keeping your home comfortable shouldn’t mean sky-high energy bills. Heating and cooling costs can add up quickly, especially in the heat of Greenville SC summers or Birmingham AL’s humid days.
The good news is there are practical steps you can take to lower your energy use and save money without sacrificing comfort.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat controls how hard your HVAC system has to work. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
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Set it a few degrees higher in summer and lower in winter. Each degree can cut energy use by 3–5%.
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Use a programmable or smart thermostat. You can schedule temperature changes for when you’re away or asleep.
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Don’t constantly change the settings. Frequent adjustments make your system work harder.
In Greenville and Birmingham, summers can be long and hot. Even a small change of a few degrees can reduce bills without making your home uncomfortable.
2. Keep Air Filters Clean
Dirty filters reduce airflow, making your HVAC system work harder.
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Check filters every month, especially in the summer.
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Replace filters at least every 90 days or sooner if they look dirty.
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Consider high-efficiency filters if you have pets or high pollen exposure.
A clean filter improves airflow, keeps your system efficient, and even improves indoor air quality.
3. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation
Even the best HVAC system loses efficiency if air is escaping.
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Check doors and windows for drafts. Seal leaks with weather stripping or caulk.
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Inspect attic insulation. Heat rises in the summer and escapes in winter, so proper insulation helps keep your home stable.
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Close vents in unused rooms to focus airflow where you need it most.
Sealing leaks and adding insulation pays off over time by reducing how often your system runs.
4. Maintain Your HVAC System
Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently.
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Schedule a professional checkup at least once a year.
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Clean condenser coils outside your AC unit.
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Make sure your system is properly charged with refrigerant.
Neglecting maintenance can reduce efficiency, shorten equipment life, and raise bills.
5. Use Fans to Your Advantage
Fans help circulate air, making your home feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.
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Ceiling fans can make you feel 4 degrees cooler in the summer.
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Portable fans can help direct airflow in rooms you use most.
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Remember to turn off fans when you leave the room. They cool people, not spaces.
Fans are a simple, low-energy way to reduce reliance on your AC.
6. Manage Humidity Levels
High humidity makes your home feel hotter, so your AC works harder.
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Use a dehumidifier in damp areas, especially in Birmingham’s humid climate.
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Keep gutters and drainage clear to prevent moisture buildup.
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Ventilate bathrooms and kitchens to reduce indoor humidity spikes.
Reducing humidity makes your home feel cooler and allows you to set the thermostat a little higher.
7. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment
Older systems can be energy hogs. If your HVAC unit is more than 10–15 years old, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
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Look for ENERGY STAR certified systems.
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Choose the right size for your home. Too big or too small reduces efficiency.
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Ask about high-efficiency heat pumps, especially for areas with mild winters like Greenville and Birmingham.
While this is a bigger investment, efficient equipment can save hundreds of dollars a year in energy bills.
8. Simple Habits That Add Up
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Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day.
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Unplug electronics when not in use. They give off heat.
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Use heavy bedding in winter instead of cranking the heat.
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Cook smart—use a microwave or slow cooker in the summer to avoid heating your house with the oven.
These small actions can noticeably reduce how much your HVAC system has to work.
Small Maintenance Changes Saves 💰
Lowering your HVAC energy bills doesn’t have to be complicated. Small changes like adjusting your thermostat, cleaning filters, sealing leaks, and managing humidity can make a real difference.
Combine those with regular maintenance and smart equipment choices, and you’ll see savings while keeping your home comfortable year-round in Upstate SC and Central AL.
Call Air Repair AL at 864-777-1111 near Greenville SC and 659-777-1111 in Birmingham for a free estimate and same day service or contact us online to schedule your service.