most expensive appliances in your home

The Most Expensive Appliances in Your Home

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Inflation is hitting everyone in the wallet these days. Utility bills can be anxiety provoking especially when you don’t know what to expect. The costs fluctuate from month to month and season to season. If you dread opening your electric bill, this blog is for you. Here we will discuss which appliances and systems in your home use the most energy so you can decide how you want to use your most expensive appliances–or whether you want to replace them with more energy efficient models. 

Which Appliances Are Most Expensive to Operate? 

#1 Your HVAC System

Heating and cooling account for nearly half the energy used in most homes. An electric furnace will use more electricity than a gas one, but a gas furnace that runs inefficiently will still run up your electric bill. Your air conditioner should also be in top condition if you want lower bills during the summer months. At Weinkauf, we recommend changing your air filter regularly. A dirty filter will force your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy.

We also recommend that you have a professional check and maintain your HVAC system at least once a year so that it runs smoothly and efficiently at all times. If your furnace is older than 10 years, you could realize significant energy savings by replacing it with a more energy efficient model. 

We can also upgrade your thermostat to a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and allow you to reduce HVAC use when you are sleeping or not at home. This will save you significant money over time. 

#2 Your Water Heater

An electric water heater can account for up to 15 percent of your home’s total electricity use. Whether gas or electric, a traditional water heater uses energy continuously in order to provide you with hot water when you need it for washing or bathing. Insulating your water heater tank and pipes can reduce heat loss. Or upgrade to a tankless water heater which will supply limitless amounts of hot water when you need it without the energy waste lost during storage. 

#3 Your Washer and Dryer

Laundry and dishwashing are daily tasks that require time and energy. They also account for up to 12 percent of your energy use. To conserve resources, save running your washing machine or dishwasher until you have a full load. Also wash more of your clothing on the cold cycle. 

#4 Your Home’s Lighting 

In Michigan we can’t rely on only solar energy for light or heating, but using natural light whenever possible will help lower your lighting costs. Turn off lights when you are no longer using them, and nag your kids to do the same. It’s also good to replace your traditional incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. These are more energy efficient and last longer. 

#5 Your Stove and Refrigerator

Newer appliances are more energy efficient than older models, particularly ENERGY STAR products, but if you’re not ready or able to replace your stove or refrigerator, keep them cleaned and maintained so they can operate as well and effectively as possible. 

Most of the other personal appliances or devices in your home are not as energy intensive. While it’s always good to turn off televisions or computers when you are not using them, they simply do not take as much energy to run as air conditioners or water heaters. If you see your utility bills rising, you should focus on which of your larger appliances are no longer in top condition and maintenance or upgrade them. By identifying the most expensive appliances in your home, you can reduce your energy consumption and your bills.

There are ways to reduce that number and save money every month. If you have questions about your HVAC system and its efficiency, please contact us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We would be happy to discuss your options with you and make recommendations for repairing or replacing your furnace, your A/C, or your water heater. 

 

change your air filter

Change Your Air Filter to Keep Your Furnace in Good Condition

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Regular home maintenance is part of responsible homeownership. It helps ensure that all of the parts of your home that keep your family comfortable are working correctly. One regular maintenance task that should not be skipped is changing the air filter on your furnace. This quick, inexpensive task impacts your indoor air quality. It can mean the difference between enjoying problem-free comfort in your home and paying for unnecessary repairs. 

What Your Air Filter Does

In most homes, especially homes with newer HVAC systems, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are combined. This means that all the air that comes through the system is filtered by one filter. There are many types of filters, but they all work to prevent air particles of up to 40 microns from entering the system and clogging the machinery. 

When the air filter gets too dirty, the air pressure in the system can drop which causes reduced air flow. The system must then work harder to do its job. Over time, this creates stress and may result in the furnace breaking down and needing to be repaired or replaced. 

A dirty filter can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and mold, especially if it’s in a damp location. Mold spores can spread throughout the entire house via the HVAC system. This creates an unhealthy atmosphere and an expensive problem to remediate. 

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter? 

The rule of thumb is that, for an HVAC unit that sees nearly year-round use, you should change your air filter at least every three months. If your home has many pets or people living in it or if there is a lot of dust, pollen, or other airborne particulate, changing it once a month would be better. 

Different HVAC systems take different types of filters. Most filters are disposable screens that are designed to trap as much air particulate as possible. There are many types of filters that will fit different types of furnace units. Make sure to use the right size filter for your furnace or it will not work properly. If you have questions about where your filter goes or how it is inserted, ask your HVAC professional when you have your furnace maintenance done. 

Adding an AprilAire 1410 air purifier to your furnace unit will help keep the blower housing within your furnace clean. This means that the air within your entire home will also be cleaner. It comes with a healthy air filter that captures more pollen, dust, dander, and mold spores, leaving your air easier to breathe. 

Have Your Furnace/HVAC Serviced Regularly

You should have your furnace serviced at least once per year. A furnace has many moving parts that can break or degrade over time. An HVAC technician will inspect your furnace’s

  • Belts
  • Coils
  • Fans

as well as your ventilation ductwork to make sure everything is working properly and there are no clogs or other problems. 

Changing your air filter regularly and having your HVAC system serviced at least annually will keep your air clean and your air handling system working smoothly. If you have questions about the quality of your air or your HVAC system, call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We will be happy to look at your system and recommend solutions to improve the comfort of your home.