Heating costs in the winter are enough to make anyone cringe. If you’re like most homeowners, you’re probably looking for ways to cut back on energy costs for the rest of the season. Here are a few simple things you can do to lower your heating costs this winter.
For a comprehensive view of how you can reduce energy waste and start saving, contact us to schedule a home energy audit. Our energy experts will evaluate how efficient your home is and make recommendations for improvements.
Clean your vents and radiators
Over time, dust and debris build up in vents, radiators, and duct systems. In addition to being horrible for your health, this buildup can also block airflow through your HVAC system.
When airflow is blocked, your system has to work harder to bring the home to the temperature on the thermostat. This can cause your heating costs to skyrocket.
To make things easier on your HVAC system and energy budget, clean your vents regularly. You can do this with a vacuum cleaner. You should also schedule duct cleaning at least once per year to maximize airflow and make sure your indoor air is as clean as possible.
Lower your thermostat setting
There’s no reason to keep your home blistering hot during the winter. To save energy, opt for a cool and comfortable 68⁰ F. You can lower the temperature even further while you’re sleeping. This action alone could save you up to 3% of your heating costs over 24 hours.
Upgrade your windows
Old windows are typically not very energy efficient. If you live in an older home with thin, single-pane windows, it’s time for an upgrade. Switch to energy-efficient, double-pane windows and you’ll notice a decrease in your monthly energy costs.
Change your furnace filter frequently
Did you know your furnace filter should be changed once every 3-4 months? If you have pets or suffer from allergies, you may want to change your filter even more frequently than that. If you fail to change your filter as recommended, you could be dealing with more than just dirty air.
Furnace filters can easily become clogged because they’re constantly filtering airborne pollutants out of the air. If they get too clogged, they’ll force your furnace to work harder than it should. This can not only result in higher energy costs but a decreased furnace lifespan as well.
Changing your filter isn’t hard. Just make sure you get the right type of replacement filter and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for changing it. If you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself, call an HVAC company like Allbritten to change it for you.
Add more insulation where needed
If you haven’t done so yet, you should figure out if your home’s insulation meets standards in your area. Older homes often have insufficient insulation, which can allow hot air to escape.
You can add more insulation to your attic, walls, and even your garage. The cost of such a project can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on how much insulation you need to add.
Get regular furnace tune-ups
One of the best ways to lower your heating bill is to get a furnace tune-up. Just as cars tend to run better when they are maintained, HVAC systems tend to work better when they get regular tune-ups. Call Allbritten today if your furnace needs maintenance. You can also at your convenience.
