Winter Energy Efficiency Tips for Your HVAC System
With winter on the way, you might be looking at your energy bills with trepidation. The chilly months often bring an uptick in electricity or natural gas costs, depending on what fuel source you use to heat your home and hot water. But don’t panic—with an appropriate approach, you can manage your winter energy efficiency and save a pile of cash. Here’s how to optimize your HVAC system to keep your home cozy without breaking the bank.
Arrange Fall Furnace Maintenance
Your heating and cooling system is like a car—it operates better when well-maintained. Scheduling annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives enhances your system’s performance and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. Apart from helping your HVAC equipment operate more efficiently, this regular check can detect any potential issues. Identifying and repairing these problems early prevents inconvenient breakdowns and more costly repair bills mid-season.
Consider Replacing Your Current Furnace
If your furnace is more than 10 years old and frequently failing, it might be time for a new one. 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 system can lower your utility bills by as much as 40%. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more consistently comfortable indoor environment when your heating system furnace meets today’s standards.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Remember those hot summer days when you adjusted the thermostat to 78 degrees to save on cooling expenses? Well, that setting won’t do you any favors in colder months. Make the most of your thermostat for the season by adjusting it to 70 degrees or less. Every degree you decrease the temperature can save you upward of 3% on your heating expenses.
Better yet, consider buying a smart programmable thermostat you can set and forget. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices enable you to modify your home’s temperature from anywhere. The most advanced learning models make automatic adjustments based on your habits, helping you maintain comfort while saving energy when you’re away or sleeping.
Change the Air Filter
The furnace air filter has an impact on how efficiently your HVAC system runs. A dirty, clogged filter forces your furnace and air conditioner to work harder to circulate air, escalating energy consumption. To stop this scenario, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as a cost-effective and easy way to improve winter energy efficiency.
Assess Your Air Registers
The little details make a difference. Rapidly dusting your supply and return registers eliminates hair, dirt and other barriers that restrict airflow. Once clean, make sure your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t blocking 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 minor drafts can put unnecessary strain on your home heating system. Carry out a sweep of your home to identify and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to detect on cold, windy days that pull the heat out through gaps and cracks. Place weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows, and apply spray foam around plumbing, vents and wiring penetrations to prevent costly air leaks in their tracks.
Boost Insulation in Your Home
The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to your home. More insulation on the attic floor means reduced heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your heating and cooling system to maintain a cozy temperature. But insulation isn’t just for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to enhance efficiency.
Consider Zoning
If your home has more than one story or wings, you may gain advantages from installing a zoned HVAC system. This involves installing dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that enable you to independently control the temperature in various zones of your home. You may heat the ground floor during the day and the upstairs bedrooms at night, conserving energy by only paying to heat select parts of your home when you need them.
Opt for a Humidifier
Winter air is typically extremely dry. You might address this with multiple humidifiers throughout your residence, but there’s a better way. Use a whole-house humidifier to work in coordination with your furnace. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier enhances a more comfortable interior without increasing the thermostat.
Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Winter Prep in the U.S.
If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s winter energy efficiency in the U.S., Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to assist. Our ACE-certified technicians offer prompt, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort issues, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you’re not completely satisfied with our performance, you can depend on us to make it right. Call 866-397-3787 today so the crew at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can make a meaningful difference in your life and sense of comfort this winter.
