Winter Energy Efficiency Tips for Your HVAC System
With winter on the way, you might be eyeing your energy bills with dread. The cold months often bring an increase in electricity or natural gas costs, depending on what fuel source you use to heat your home and hot water. But don’t worry—with a suitable approach, you can manage your winter energy efficiency and save a significant amount of cash. Here’s how to fine-tune your climate control system to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.
Schedule Fall Furnace Maintenance
Your heating and cooling system is like a car—it runs better when well-maintained. Arranging annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives boosts your system’s performance and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. In addition to helping your HVAC equipment run more efficiently, this routine check can uncover any hidden issues. Finding and repairing these problems early prevents unexpected failures and more costly repair bills mid-season.
Upgrade Your Old Furnace
If your furnace is more than 10 years old and having problems, it might be time for a new one. Antiquated systems can be a considerable drain on your finances, costing you more in energy and repairs than they’re worth. Replacing your furnace with a high-efficiency Energy Star®-certified unit can reduce your power expenses by as much as 40%. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more consistently comfortable indoor environment when your heating equipment meets today’s standards.
Fine-Tune Your Thermostat
Remember those sweltering summer days when you set the thermostat to 78 degrees to save on cooling expenses? Well, that setting won’t help you in the chilly winter season. Make the most of your thermostat for the season by configuring it to 70 degrees or lower. Every degree you drop the temperature can save you up to 3% on your energy costs.
Moreover, opt for a smart programmable thermostat you can set and not think about. 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 maintain comfort while saving power when you’re away or sleeping.
Change the Air Filter
The furnace air filter influences how efficiently your HVAC system operates. A dirty, clogged filter forces the HVAC system to work harder to circulate air, escalating energy consumption. To stop this from happening, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as an inexpensive and simple way to improve winter energy efficiency.
Evaluate Your Air Registers
The little details matter. Quickly dusting your supply and return registers removes hair, dirt and other obstructions that impede airflow. Once clean, make sure your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t obstructing the vents. Maintaining an unobstructed path 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 slight drafts can put excessive strain on your home heating system. Conduct a sweep of your home to identify and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to detect on cold, windy days that draw the heat out through gaps and cracks. Install weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows, and apply spray foam around plumbing, vents and wiring penetrations to halt costly air leaks in their tracks.
Boost Insulation in Your Home
The attic is the most convenient place to add insulation to an existing home. Extra insulation on the attic floor means decreased heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your heating and cooling system to maintain a cozy temperature. But insulation isn’t only for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to enhance energy savings.
Consider Zoning
If your home has more than one story or wings, you might find advantages from installing a zoned HVAC system. This involves putting dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that allow you to independently control the temperature in different areas of your home. You might heat the ground floor during the day and the upstairs bedrooms at night, conserving energy by only paying to heat chosen sections of your home when you need them.
Opt for a Humidifier
Winter air is notoriously dry. You might tackle this with multiple humidifiers throughout your home, but there’s a superior way. Set up a whole-house humidifier to work alongside your furnace. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier enhances a more comfortable interior without cranking up the thermostat.
Work with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Winter Prep in Fort Lauderdale
If you’re looking to enhance your home’s winter energy efficiency in Fort Lauderdale, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is available to help. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, durable solutions to all your comfort issues, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you’re not completely satisfied with our service, you can depend on us to make it right. Call 954-736-4314 today so the crew at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can make a substantial difference in your life and sense of comfort in the colder season.
