With winter on the way, you might be considering your energy bills with a sense of unease. The cold months often bring an increase in electricity or natural gas costs, depending on what fuel source you use to heat your home and hot water. But don’t worry—with a suitable approach, you can control your winter energy efficiency and save a significant amount of cash. Here’s how to fine-tune your climate control system to keep your home cozy without breaking the bank.
Book Fall Furnace Maintenance
Your heating and cooling system is like a car—it functions easier when well-maintained. Arranging annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives boosts your system’s efficiency and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. Apart from helping your HVAC equipment run more efficiently, this scheduled check can reveal any lurking issues. Identifying and addressing these issues early prevents disruptions during the heating season and more costly repair bills mid-season.
Replace Your Aging Furnace
If your furnace is more than 10 years old and experiencing malfunctions, it might be time for furnace replacement. Old systems can be a substantial financial burden, costing you more in energy and repairs than the cost of replacement in the long run. Replacing your furnace with a high-efficiency Energy Star¨-certified unit can reduce your power expenses by as much as 40%. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more consistently comfortable indoor environment when your heating system furnace meets today’s standards.
Modify Your Thermostat
Remember those sweltering summer days when you set the thermostat to 78 degrees to save money? Well, that setting won’t help you in the chilly winter season. Make the most of your thermostat for the season by adjusting it to 70 degrees or a lower temperature. Every degree you decrease the temperature can save you up to 3% on your heating bill.
Better yet, consider buying a smart programmable thermostat you can set and leave alone. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices permit you to modify your home’s temperature anywhere you are. The most advanced learning models make automatic adjustments according to your routines, helping you stay comfortable while saving electricity when you’re away or sleeping.
Change the Air Filter
Your furnace air filter has an impact on how efficiently your HVAC system functions. A dirty, clogged filter forces a heating and cooling system to work harder to circulate air, increasing energy consumption. To prevent this situation, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as a budget-friendly and simple way to improve winter energy efficiency.
Check Your Air Registers
The little details make a difference. Rapidly dusting your supply and return registers removes hair, dirt and other obstructions that restrict airflow. Once clean, be certain that your curtains, rugs and furniture don't block the vents. Ensuring clear passage for warm air to circulate makes a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy usage this winter.
Eliminate Drafts in Your Home
Even slight drafts can put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Perform a sweep of your home to locate and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to find on chilly, windy days that draw the heat out through gaps and cracks. Apply weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows, and apply spray foam around plumbing, vents and wiring penetrations to prevent costly air leaks right away.
Boost Insulation in Your Home
The attic is the most convenient place to add insulation to a home. More insulation on the attic floor means less heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain a cozy temperature. But insulation isn’t solely for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to boost energy efficiency.
Explore Zoning
If your home has more than one story or wings, you may gain advantages from installing a zoned HVAC system. This involves putting dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that permit you to independently control the temperature in various zones of your home. You could heat the ground floor during the day and the upstairs bedrooms at night, conserving energy by only paying to heat chosen sections of your home when you need them.
Select a Humidifier
Winter air is typically extremely dry. You might address this with portable humidifiers throughout your home, but there’s a more effective way. Set up a whole-house humidifier to work alongside your furnace. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier enhances a cozier interior without raising the thermostat.
Partner with Service Experts for Winter Prep in the U.S
If you’re looking to enhance your home’s winter energy efficiency in the U.S, Service Experts is ready to support. Our ACE-certified technicians offer prompt, reliable solutions to all your comfort concerns, backed by a Service Experts Guarantee.
If you’re not completely satisfied with our work, you can depend on us to make it right. Call (866) 963-7996 today so the team at Service Experts can make a substantial difference in your life and sense of comfort during the winter months.
