How to Stay Warm and Save Money This Winter
Winter HVAC saving tips to help you save money on your utility bills. Almost half of the energy used in the home is from your HVAC system. During summer and winter your bills could skyrocket as your HVAC system gets its highest use. Fortunately, there are ways to save and still keep your homes comfortable as the weather gets colder. In this article we will discuss how to stay warm and save money this winter.
Let The Sun In During the Day
Open your blinds and curtains during the day to take advantage of the free heat provided by the sun. At night close them to keep as much heat in as possible.
Lower The Temperature in Your Home
You can save money this winter by lowering your thermostat by just a couple of degrees. According to energy.gov lowering it at night by 10 to 15 degrees, can help save about 10% on energy costs per year. During the day try to keep it at 68 degrees, or the lowest you find comfortable.
Switch to A Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat has the capability of connecting to Wi-Fi so you can control it even when away from home. Just as with a programmable thermostat you can program it to adjust thermostat settings for peak efficiency. Instead of cranking up the heat consider wearing a sweater indoors. Turning down the thermostat by 7-10 degrees can help save you as much as 10% on your heating bill.
Schedule An Annual Furnace Maintenance
The most important step you can take to combat high energy bills this winter is schedule furnace maintenance. Furnace maintenance includes items that will improve energy efficiency while also preventing common minor issues that can inhibit efficiency. Furnace maintenance will keep your system clean, and save you the inconvenience of a potential breakdown or costly furnace repair. In between professional furnace maintenance visits check and replace your air filter. A dirty air filter will cause your furnace to work harder than it must and waste energy in doing so.
Keep Your Air Vents Clear
Make sure all of your registers and vents are clean and clear of any obstacles such as furniture, rugs, or draperies. Blocked vents make your furnace work harder than it should, increasing energy waste. Blocked vents also increase the pressure of your ductwork which leads to duct cracks and leaks. Clear vents ensure that every room is getting the proper amount of air and your system is working as it should.
Eliminate Air Drafts
According to energy.gov up to a third of a home’s typical heat loss occurs through windows and doors. Air sealing your home can be an effective and simply inexpensive way of reducing heat loss. Caulk and seal around your doors and window frames to keep warm air inside your home. According to energy.gov caulking leaks can help you save 10 to 20 percent on your annual heating and cooling bills. Weatherstripping your windows can save you an additional 5 to 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling bills.
Add Attic Insulation
Adding attic insulation is a great place to start to reduce your heating bills this winter. It will help lighten the load on your HVAC system so it can work optimally and more efficiently. It will also help retain the maximum amount of heat and prevent it from escaping outside.
Use Your Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans not only can help keep you cool, but they can also help keep you warm in the winter. Change the direction of your ceiling fan by flipping the reverse switch so the fan runs clockwise. This will create an updraft while moving the warm air that collects near the ceiling back down into the room, which means you do not need to turn the thermostat up high.
Consider Replacement
An older system is just not as efficient as new modern HVAC systems. Even if you have taken great care of your system thus far, the older a system is the more its components will begin to fail sometimes leading to costly repairs. Keep in mind that most furnaces will last about 15- 18 years so if your furnace is on the older side, consider furnace replacement. Even if you may not be thinking about AC now, if you are replacing your furnace consider AC replacement at the same time to save on costs.
Contact LA Construction, Heating and Air
The goal of winter HVAC saving tips is to help lower your usage without sacrificing your comfort. Consider the tips we have discussed here to stay warm and save money this winter. Mos of these will not only help during the winter, but can help save you money year round. Give us a call today or contact us online if you would like to schedule furnace repair. We offer free consultations for furnace replacement, we are here to help you stay warm this winter.
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