Mauzy Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical proudly serves San Diego County homeowners with expert HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services designed to keep your home comfortable — and your utility bills under control.
If you’ve noticed your energy costs creeping up each season, it might not just be your rates. Everyday habits — from thermostat use to water heating — can quietly add up to big energy waste. Fortunately, a few smart adjustments can help you cut costs without sacrificing comfort.
1. Cranking the Thermostat Instead of Setting It Smartly
Many homeowners think lowering the thermostat dramatically will cool the home faster — but HVAC systems don’t work that way. Setting the temperature too low simply forces your AC to run longer, wasting electricity.
Smarter alternative:
Set your thermostat between 76–78°F in summer and 68–70°F in winter for the best balance of comfort and efficiency. Upgrade to a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts automatically — Mauzy can install and calibrate it for maximum savings.
2. Ignoring Seasonal HVAC Maintenance
Skipping routine maintenance is one of the biggest reasons for higher utility bills. Dirty coils, clogged filters, and low refrigerant all reduce efficiency — forcing your system to work harder.
Smarter alternative:
Schedule biannual maintenance with Mauzy — once before cooling season and again before heating season. Regular tune-ups can improve efficiency by up to 15%, lower repair costs, and extend system life.
3. Running Appliances During Peak Hours
In San Diego County, energy rates can jump significantly during peak demand hours (typically 4–9 PM). Running the dishwasher, washer, or dryer during that window can add unnecessary costs.
Smarter alternative:
Run major appliances in the morning or late evening instead. Many smart appliances also include “delay start” features — making it easy to shift your energy use to off-peak times.
4. Forgetting About Air Leaks and Poor Insulation
Leaky doors, windows, or ductwork make it harder for your HVAC system to maintain temperature. The result? Up to 30% of your heating and cooling energy is wasted.
Smarter alternative:
Have Mauzy perform a home energy audit to locate leaks and insulation gaps. Sealing ducts and adding attic insulation not only lowers bills but also keeps your home more comfortable year-round.
5. Overlooking Water Heater Efficiency
Water heating accounts for roughly 18% of the average home’s energy use, especially during colder months. Older water heaters or high temperature settings can drive up utility bills without noticeable benefit.
Smarter alternative:
- Set your water heater to 120°F instead of 140°F.
- Insulate hot water pipes.
- Consider upgrading to a tankless water heater, installed by Mauzy’s expert plumbers, for endless hot water and lower standby losses.
6. Using Inefficient Lighting and Electronic
Leaving lights and devices on — especially older incandescent bulbs — can drain electricity faster than you think.
Smarter alternative:
Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy, and install smart switches or motion sensors to automatically turn lights off when not in use. Mauzy’s licensed electricians can help modernize your home’s lighting and install energy-efficient fixtures throughout.
7. Neglecting Your Thermostat Schedule on Vacations
If you leave town but forget to adjust your thermostat, your system may continue cooling or heating an empty home for days.
Smarter alternative:
Use your smart thermostat’s vacation mode or schedule feature to reduce energy use while you’re away. Mauzy can help you connect your thermostat to your phone so you can monitor or adjust it remotely — no matter where you are.
8. Forgetting to Clean Vents, Fans, and Registers
Dust buildup on vents, ceiling fans, and registers restricts airflow and circulation. It may not seem like much, but over time it reduces system efficiency.
Smarter alternative:
Dust or vacuum vents monthly and reverse ceiling fan direction with the seasons — counterclockwise in summer, clockwise in winter — to promote better airflow and comfort.
Bonus Tip: Think Whole-Home Efficiency
Your HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical components all affect your overall energy use. A small issue in one area can impact another — for example, leaky ductwork can cause longer AC run times, or outdated wiring can increase energy loss.
With Mauzy’s whole-home expertise, you get a unified approach to efficiency. Our licensed technicians coordinate across trades to ensure your home runs at its best — season after season.
Why San Diego Homeowners Choose Mauzy
As a family-owned and operated company, Mauzy has proudly served San Diego County for decades. Our name stands for trust, quality, and reliability. From energy-efficient HVAC installations to smart plumbing and electrical upgrades, we help homeowners save money and live more comfortably all year long.
We don’t just fix problems — we help you build a smarter, more efficient home.
Call to Action
Tired of rising utility bills?
Call Mauzy today for expert HVAC, plumbing, and electrical service in San Diego County.Want to make your home more energy-efficient this season?
Schedule your appointment with Mauzy and experience comfort done right — efficient, affordable, and sustainable.