UBCNews - Business - How To Reduce High Power Bills? Electric & Heating Specialists Share Top Tips

Episode Date: February 10, 2026

Welcome back, everyone! Today we're tackling something that's probably been weighing on your mind every time you open that utility bill - high power costs. And if you're in Alabama, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Engle Services City: Sylacauga Address: 40300 U.S. 280 Website: https://engleservicesheatingandair.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today, we're tackling something that's probably been weighing on your mind every time you open that utility bill, high power costs. And if you're in Alabama, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Oh, absolutely. Alabama has some of the highest residential electricity consumption in the country, especially for heating and air conditioning. Did you hear about the Birmingham woman whose bills went from about $200 in November to over $800 in January? The energy bills here can really add up. So what are Alabama residents actually paying each month?

Well, it varies, but we're seeing average residential electric bills anywhere from around $144 to $257 monthly. For many families, that's a real budget concern. And, as we already mentioned, some folks are seeing monthly bills much, much higher than that. Right. And I imagine with those numbers, people are wondering, what can we actually do about it? Great question. Let's start with the basics. The simple stuff that makes a bigger difference than most people realize. First up, seal those leaks around windows and doors. Weather stripping and caulk are inexpensive, but they can significantly reduce heat loss. That's a good starting point. An insulation, especially in attics and walls, plays a huge role. Sealing and insulating your ductwork alone can reduce heating and cooling system efficiency losses. by as much as 20%, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars each year.

That's substantial savings just from sealing up your home. What about the HVAC system itself? Regular maintenance is important. Something as simple as changing your air filter monthly can boost efficiency. And here's a tip. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day. That's, uh, surprisingly,

manageable, though I'll admit, convincing my family to agree on a single temperature setting feels like negotiating a peace treaty sometimes. Ha-uh, you're not alone there, and I might have a solution for that later in our chat. But these little efforts yield big results. I remember working with one homeowner who'd been ignoring their filter for months, maybe longer. Once they started changing it regularly, they noticed their system running quieter and their bills dropping noticeably. So we've established the foundational steps,

sealing, insulation, basic maintenance. Those are the low-hanging fruit, so to speak. But there's also newer technology that can help, right? That point about thermostat efficiency sets up our next piece, smart technology and zoned systems, but first, a quick word from our sponsor. Struggling with high-energy bills in central Alabama, Ingle Services offers expert heating, cooling,

electrical and plumbing services to help you maintain optimal home comfort. Their technicians are available in Birmingham, Pell City, Silicaga, and surrounding areas for emergency response, in-home assessments, repairs, replacements, and routine maintenance. As a family-owned business with an A-plus BBB rating, they're known for professional, reliable service. Learn more at Ingallservicesheating and Air.com. Picking up on thermostat efficiency, how do smart thermostats, actually help homeowners save money? Smart thermostats are really effective because they take the guesswork out.

They offer remote access via smartphone so you can adjust temperatures from anywhere. But the real benefit is adaptive learning technology. Adaptive learning? So they learn your habits? Right. They automatically optimize your heating and cooling schedules based on when you're home or away. Google Nest reports average savings of 10 to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling. EcoB claims up to 23% annually. Every little helps. And I've heard you can save around $140 per year with a smart thermostat?

That's the average, yes. Plus programmable thermostats, even the non-smart ones, can save you up to 10% on heating and cooling if you set them back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day. It's the same principle. Controlling your temperature strategically saves you money. Now let's talk zoned heating systems. What exactly are those? Think about it this way. You don't turn on every light in your house with one switch, so why heat every room the same way? Zoned systems divide your home into separate zones,

each with its own thermostat. Do you remember I mentioned something that could help solve those family fights over what temperature the house should be? Well, this is it. Ha-ha, okay, so I could see this helping us out. Zoning allows independent temperature control in different areas. If you've got a two-story home, heat rises, leaving the main floor cool and upstairs bedrooms hot. With zoning, you control each area separately, which improves comfort and, crucially, cuts energy waste. Sounds perfect, but what's the investment look like for something like that? A new HVAC zoning system can start at about 1,100, and obviously that increases depending on complexity.

A two-zone system for existing duct work typically costs between $1,700 and $2,800, and the payback period in Alabama typically falls between four and eight years. So it's a longer-term investment, but one that pays off. Are there any programs to help homeowners afford these upgrades? Definitely. The Alabama Weatherization Assistance Program provides grants to low-income households for things like air sealing and insulation. There are also federal tax credits available for qualified energy

efficient home improvements that can help offset costs. A reliable HVAC specialist will be able to guide you through the various rebates available. So to everyone listening, if high power bills have been stressing you out, you've got options. You've really got choices here. Start with the basics, seal leaks, improve insulation, maintain your HVAC system. Then consider upgrading to a smart thermostat or looking into zoned heating if your home has multiple levels or uneven temperatures. Have you checked your air filter lately? When's the last time you had your system inspected? These small steps can lead to big savings.

And remember, the closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the more you save. Bundle up in winter, optimize sunlight during the day, and use those programmable features wisely. Perfect advice. Thanks so much for breaking this down today. Really helpful insights for our Alabama listeners. My pleasure. Stay comfortable and stay efficient.