Winter comes with a lot of concerns for most homeowners. Most people struggle with the idea of having to pay exorbitant energy bills at the end of the season to keep their family members warm and safe all winter long. Fortunately, this does not have to be the case. With the right strategy, you can afford to keep your family warm and comfortable without having to incur abnormally high heating charges.
Victor Rancour of Absolute Airflow in Orange County explains, “In many cases buying a new HVAC system will be your best bet for reducing your utility bills especially if your system is ten years old or older.”
All you have to do is invest in practical energy-saving tips. Below are a few things you could do.
Turn Down the Thermostat
It’s incredible how turning down the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours can significantly reduce your heating and cooling cost. The costs could go down by 10 percent per year. What’s more, you do not have to turn it down when you are around the house. It could be when you are out of the house at work or school.
If you are the kind of person who forgets to change the thermostat’s setting, it is advisable to get a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature settings as needed. Alternatively, choose thermostats that you can control remotely using your smartphone.
Keep Up with Drafts and Air Leaks in Your Home
The greatest percentage of heat loss in most homes happens because of leaks and drafts. Unfortunately, the loss is often significant and will contribute to the overall energy bill at the end of every month. Fix all leaks that warm air could be escaping through in winter.
Consider sealing windows and doorways properly in addition to weather stripping for deterioration and cracks. Window frames should be sealed tightly, and ducts around the system should not have gaps. Check the ductwork running through the attic, basement, crawlspace, and garage, and make sure to seal them. The simple act of sealing these cracks and openings can improve the energy efficiency of your heating system by up to 20 percent or more.
Maintain the Heating System
Have the professional HVAC technician inspect and clean the heating unit before using it. Besides improving the efficiency of your heating unit., such regular maintenance helps to troubleshoot major issues in good time. Change filters regularly as recommended by the unit’s manufacturer. Unrestricted airflow ensures that the unit works optimally and thus increases its efficiency.
Use the Fireplace
Have a professional inspect the chimney before winter to ensure no fire hazards. Collect some firewood and light a fire to warm the entire house. This gives your AC unit a break and thus reduces the energy costs of running it continuously.
Use Ceiling Fans
The idea is to reverse the ceiling fan blades to a clockwise direction. This ensures that warm air from the furnace or heating unit spreads evenly throughout the house. Consequently, the heating unit does not have to work extra hard to keep all areas warm. Such breaks allow the unit to run efficiently and thus utilize less energy which translates to lower bills.
Have Windbreaks Outside the House
Windbreaks help break drafts. When less cold air hits your house, the AC does not have to overwork to heat up and warm the home to make everyone comfortable. When the heating unit works less, it utilizes less energy which translates to lower energy bills.
It is possible to have your energy bills under control in winter. Just stick to tips that promote efficiency and lower heat loss.