December 3, 2014
10 Winter Heat Savings Tips for Your Home
Last month’s cold snap is sure to be reflected in your coming heating bill. Don’t freeze up… and don’t sweat it either! We’ve got 10 winter heat savings tips to help improve efficiency and reduce your energy costs. PLUS big savings on home heating repairs! Warmer weather means we’ve got expert Heating Techs available NOW to serve you. We’re open 7 days a week, from 6AM to 10PM, to serve you at your convenience with NO OVERTIME CHARGES.
1. Upgrade To A High-Efficiency HVAC System
Swapping your old, inefficient air conditioning system for a high-efficiency one can cut electricity bills by up to 25%.
The first step toward helping you choose the right heating and air conditioning system for your home is to do a complete analysis of your present heating and air conditioning system and of your home to determine the right size equipment for your individual comfort needs.
2. Keep Up With Preventative Maintenance
If you don’t already have a proactive maintenance program for your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to schedule semi-annual service with a qualified HVAC service company like Applewood.
Professional HVAC contractors will make sure that your system is operating at its most efficient settings and that the proper parts or components are in good working order.
3. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Changing your HVAC system’s air filters once a month, or as directed by the furnace or filter manufacturer, helps ensure that your system has smooth, uninterrupted air flow.
New filters can help your system work more efficiently, saving you money in the process. For example, routinely replacing filters in your home’s heating and air conditioning system can account for an energy consumption savings of 5 to 15 percent.
4. Invest In A Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, installing one can go a long way in helping to reduce energy use when you’re not at home.
The less your HVAC system has to work to maintain comfortable temperature levels that aren’t necessary because no one is home, the more savings you’ll see on your home heating or cooling bill.
5. Adjust The Temperature
Setting the thermostat to the coolest temperature in the winter or highest temperature you find comfortable can seem like a small step, but the energy savings can be substantial.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, reducing your home’s temperature 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours at a time during the heating season can save you 5 to 15 percent in heating bills each year.
6. Seal Window And Door Drafts
Most people think about stopping air infiltration in colder winter months, but it’s also crucial during AC season. Any air leak in your home robs your HVAC system of efficiency since that heated or cooled air is lost. With that, it is imperative that all windows are shut and that all doors have good weather seals before turning on the HVAC system.
7. Invest In Insulation
Particularly in older homes, inadequate insulation is another factor that can lead to losing heated or cooled air from the HVAC system. If you’re unsure about your home’s insulation levels, consult with an energy auditor or insulation professional for guidance.
8. Keep Return Air Vents Object Free
Keep your supply and return air vents free of objects like clothing, blinds, carpets, or furniture so your heater and air conditioner can operate efficiently and there is even, heat and/or cool air distribution throughout the room.
9. Avoid Excessive Use of Exhaust Fans
Excessive use of bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans will make your HVAC system work harder. Ultimately, this will increase energy consumption and elevate costs. It is essential to keep costs in check by making proper use of exhaust fans.
10. Invest in Window Treatments to Help Control Temperatures
Window coverings can have a big effect on your home’s heating or cooling load. In cooler months, harness the sun’s free warmth by keeping curtains, blinds, or drapes open on all south-facing windows during the day to allow the sunlight in. At night, close the window coverings to add an extra layer of insulation between the glass and your home interior. In the summer months, keep window coverings closed on all south-facing windows during the day to reduce rising temperatures.
