Tips to Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Winter
With winter on the way, you could be considering your energy bills with a sense of unease. The chilly months often bring a rise in electricity or natural gas costs, depending on what fuel source you use to heat your home and hot water. But don’t fret—with the right approach, you can regulate your winter energy efficiency and save a significant amount of cash. Here’s how to adjust your HVAC system to keep your home pleasant without emptying your wallet.
Arrange Fall Furnace Maintenance
Your HVAC system is like a car—it functions easier when well-maintained. Booking annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives enhances your system’s efficiency and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. In addition to helping your HVAC equipment run more efficiently, this scheduled check can detect any hidden issues. Identifying and addressing these concerns early prevents unexpected failures 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 an upgrade. Antiquated systems can be a significant financial burden, costing you more in energy and repairs than they’re worth. Replacing your furnace with a high-efficiency Energy Star®-certified system can minimize your energy costs 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 programmed your thermostat to 78 degrees to save money? Well, that setting won’t do you any favors in colder months. Adjust your thermostat for the season by setting it to 70 degrees or lower. Every degree you decrease the temperature can save you upward of 3% on your heating expenses.
Even better, invest in a smart programmable thermostat you can set and forget. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices enable 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 power when you’re away or sleeping.
Switch Out the Air Filter
The furnace air filter impacts how efficiently your HVAC system functions. A dirty, blocked filter forces the HVAC system to work harder to circulate air, increasing energy consumption. To stop this situation, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as an inexpensive and simple way to improve winter energy efficiency.
Assess Your Air Registers
The little details matter. Rapidly dusting your supply and return registers removes hair, dirt and other obstructions that hinder airflow. Once clean, ensure your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t blocking the vents. Keeping the path clear for warm air to circulate makes a significant impact in your home’s comfort and energy usage this winter.
Seal Leaks to Prevent Drafts in Your Home
Even slight drafts can put unnecessary strain on your home heating system. Perform a sweep of your home to spot and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to discover on cold, windy days that suck 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 halt costly air leaks immediately.
Boost Insulation in Your Home
The attic is the simplest place to add insulation to your home. More insulation on the attic floor means decreased heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your home heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature. But insulation isn’t just for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to improve energy savings.
Explore Zoning
If your home has multiple levels or wings, you could benefit from using a zoned HVAC system. This involves putting dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that permit you to independently control the temperature in different areas 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 specific areas of your home when you need them.
Opt for a Humidifier
Winter air is notoriously dry. You may combat this with multiple humidifiers throughout your home, but there’s a more effective way. Set up a whole-house humidifier to work in tandem with your HVAC. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier encourages a warmer interior without cranking up the thermostat.
Work with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Winter Prep in the U.S.
If you’re looking to boost your home’s winter energy efficiency in the U.S., Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is ready to support. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, reliable solutions to all your comfort challenges, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you’re not thoroughly pleased with our performance, you can depend on us to make it right. Call 866-397-3787 today so the technicians at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can make a significant difference in your life and sense of comfort during the winter months.
