Winter Energy Efficiency Tips for Your HVAC System
With winter on the way, you may be eyeing your energy bills with trepidation. The cold 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 fret—with an appropriate approach, you can regulate your winter energy efficiency and save a pile of cash. Here’s how to optimize your HVAC system to keep your home cozy without draining your finances.
Arrange Fall Furnace Maintenance
Your HVAC system is like a car—it operates easier when well-maintained. Booking annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives improves your system’s performance and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. Beyond helping your HVAC equipment run more efficiently, this scheduled check can reveal any hidden issues. Finding and addressing these issues 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 experiencing malfunctions, it might be time for furnace replacement. Old systems can be a considerable 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 cozy indoor environment when your heating equipment meets today’s standards.
Fine-Tune Your Thermostat
Remember those hot summer days when you adjusted the thermostat to 78 degrees to save on costs? Well, that setting won’t help you in the chilly winter season. Modify your thermostat for the season by adjusting it to 70 degrees or less. Every degree you drop the temperature can save you up to 3% on your energy costs.
Even better, opt for a smart programmable thermostat you can set and forget. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices allow you to adjust your home’s temperature remotely. The most advanced learning models make automatic adjustments based on your habits, helping you be cozy while saving energy when you’re away or sleeping.
Switch Out the Air Filter
A furnace air filter impacts how efficiently your HVAC system operates. A dirty, clogged filter forces your furnace and air conditioner to work harder to circulate air, increasing energy consumption. To prevent this scenario, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as a budget-friendly and straightforward way to improve winter energy efficiency.
Check Your Air Registers
The little details matter. Rapidly dusting your supply and return registers removes hair, dirt and other blockages that impede airflow. Once clean, ensure your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t obstructing the vents. Keeping the path clear for warm air to circulate makes a substantial improvement in your home’s comfort and energy usage this winter.
Eliminate Drafts in Your Home
Even minor drafts can put excessive strain on your heating and cooling system. Conduct a sweep of your home to locate and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to find on cold, windy days that draw 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 stop costly air leaks right away.
Add More Insulation in Your Home
The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to an existing home. More insulation on the attic floor means reduced heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain a comfortable temperature. But insulation isn’t solely for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to enhance energy efficiency.
Think About Zoning
If your home has several floors or wings, you might find advantages from installing a zoned HVAC system. This involves putting dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that enable you to independently control the temperature in distinct sections of your home. You could heat the ground floor during the day and the upstairs bedrooms at night, saving energy by only paying to heat select parts of your home when you need them.
Opt for a Humidifier
Winter air is infamously dry. You may address this with tabletop humidifiers throughout your residence, but there’s a better way. Use a whole-house humidifier to work in tandem with your heating system. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier encourages a cozier interior without cranking up 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 available to help. 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 rely on us to make it right. Call 866-397-3787 today so the technicians at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can make a substantial difference in your life and sense of comfort during the winter months.
