How to Keep Climate Change from Impacting Your Energy Bills

Climate change is expected to have several impacts on energy bills in Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, including:

1. Increased Cooling Costs: As temperatures rise, the demand for air conditioning will increase, leading to higher electricity usage in the summer. This may result in higher energy bills due to increased consumption and potential peak demand charges.
2. Lower Heating Costs: While warmer winters might reduce heating costs, the net effect will depend on the balance between reduced heating needs and increased cooling needs.
3. Infrastructure Strain: Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms and heavy rainfall, can strain the energy infrastructure, potentially leading to outages or the need for costly repairs and upgrades. The costs associated with maintaining and upgrading the grid can be passed on to consumers.
4. Energy-Efficiency Measures: In response to climate change, there may be increased investment in energy-efficiency measures and renewable energy sources. While this can lead to long-term savings, there might be initial costs associated with implementing these measures, which could be reflected in energy bills.
5. Policy and Regulatory Changes: Policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions might impact energy prices. For example, carbon pricing or regulations requiring utilities to invest in renewable energy can influence the cost of energy.

What Can You do About It This Winter?

It is likely that climate change will lead to higher local energy costs, but you can keep them down by maintaining your HVAC system in good working order. When an honest and professional Cincinnati HVAC repair company like Jansen services your system every six months, it will stay in peak condition and last longer.

Here are some other things you can do:

1. Seal Leaks and Insulate:
   • Seal gaps around windows, doors and other openings with weather stripping or caulk.
   • Insulate your attic, walls and floors to reduce heat loss.
2. Thermostat Management:
   • Lower your thermostat when you’re asleep or away from home. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat to automate this process.
   • Aim for around 68°F (20°C) when you’re home and awake, and lower when you’re asleep or away.
3. Efficient Heating Systems:
   • Ensure your heating system is well-maintained and serviced regularly.
   • Consider upgrading if your system is old and inefficient.
4. Use Space Heaters Wisely:
   • Use space heaters to heat only the rooms you’re using, but be mindful of their energy consumption and safety guidelines.
5. Maximize Natural Heat: Open curtains and blinds during the day to let in sunlight; then close them at night to keep the heat in.
6. Ceiling Fans:
   • Run ceiling fans in reverse (clockwise) at a low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling.
7. Energy-Efficient Windows:
   • Install storm windows or replace old windows with energy-efficient models.
   • Use thermal curtains to add an extra layer of insulation.
8. Lower Water Heating Costs:
   • Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) to save on energy costs.
   • Insulate your water heater and hot water pipes to reduce heat loss.
9. Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs, which use less energy and produce less heat.

• Appliance Efficiency: Use energy-efficient appliances and unplug devices when not in use to reduce phantom loads.
• Renewable Energy: If feasible, consider investing in solar panels to offset energy costs.
• Energy Audits: Ask Jansen Heating & Cooling to conduct a home energy audit to identify areas where you can improve energy efficiency.

Implementing these measures–and having your system serviced every six months by a reputable Cincinnati HVAC contractor–can help you use fewer fossil fuels and lower your winter energy bills.