As the weather gets colder and your family is spending more time indoors, you may be getting worried about the increase in your utility bills. It’s common for winter heating bills to be a large part of yearly household expenses for homeowners. However, there are many things that you can do to help increase the energy efficiency of your heating system this winter season.
Get Maintenance Service
One of the most significant things you can do to enhance system efficiency is to schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC system. A professional will evaluate your entire system and identify any components that are malfunctioning or worn out. Once these components are fixed or replaced, you can rest assured that your furnace is operating at its optimal efficiency level.
Keep Up With Filter Changes
Your heating system has a filter that’s responsible for trapping unwanted airborne particles, like dust, pet dander, pollen, and more. This filter prevents these unwanted particles from entering the inside components of your heating system. Unfortunately, when the filter gets too full, it will make it much more difficult for your heating system to pull air through the filter. This will drastically reduce its overall operating efficiency level and prematurely wear out your system’s internal components.
To prevent this inefficiency, it’s imperative to regularly repair the air filter in your heating system. Plan to check it monthly. If you can’t see through the filter, it’s time for an upgrade. Ensure you keep a spare filter around so you can perform a replacement whenever necessary.
Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can be one of the best investments to enhance system efficiency. This type of thermostat allows you to program in a set schedule for your desired household temperature. For example, you can set the temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit at times when you’re at home and 60 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re not. This will guarantee that your heating system only runs when you need it, and you can save energy when you don’t.
Let Natural Sunlight In
Natural sunlight is a great free source of heat that you can use in your home. In fact, it’s been shown to increase room temperature by 10 degrees or more. By opening blinds and curtains during the daytime hours, you can allow that natural heat in your home and reduce the load on your heating system.
Seal Up Air Leaks
Air leaks on your exterior walls can let in cold air, which your heating system will be stuck competing with. A great way to prevent this from happening is to seal up air leaks on your exterior walls. These leaks will commonly develop around the frames of windows and doors. However, you may experience drafts from receptacles and light switches on your exterior walls. Consider using products such as weatherstripping and caulk to seal off air leaks.
Invest in Top-Quality Insulation
Insulation creates a barricade between the inside of your home and the outdoors. The higher your insulation’s R-value, the more effective it will be at resisting temperature changes. Most homes aren’t as insulated as they should be, so installing insulation where it’s needed can make a big difference. When you can keep more hot air in your home during the winter, it will greatly contribute to a reduced runtime of your heating system. It’s best to use insulation that either matches or exceeds the recommended R-value for your area of the country.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans make a great tool to use alongside your HVAC system to create optimal comfort for you and your family. During the winter months, you want your ceiling fans to spin in a clockwise direction. This will move hot air from the ceiling outward and down. It won’t create a breeze like in the summertime. Rather, this circulation is something that you’re not likely to feel when sitting in the room. However, you will be able to experience more heat at the bottom of your rooms, so you can remain comfortable without turning up your thermostat.
Consider Duct Cleaning and Sealing
Your ductwork has a very large impact on the overall operating efficiency of your heating system. When ductwork gets clogged full of debris, like dust, it can restrict the flow of air to your rooms. Furthermore, any gaps that develop due to expansion and contraction can allow your precious hot air to escape and never make it to your rooms.
Duct cleaning service is ideal for removing any debris inside your ducts so that you can get maximal airflow. Duct sealing service will take care of sealing up those unwanted air leaks so that all your hot air is able to make it to the rooms of your home.
Upgrade Your Aging System
If your existing heating system is more than 10 years old, it’s likely not anywhere as efficient as modern-day systems. In fact, heating systems become less efficient as they age. Upgrading to a new heating system can be a great way to drastically reduce your heating bills this winter season. Standard models are going to offer efficiencies in the 80% range. High-efficiency models are a bit more expensive but offer operating efficiencies in the 90% range.
Consider Oil-to-Gas Conversion
If your heating system is under 10 years old and relies on heating oil to create heat for your home, it may be time to switch. You can have an HVAC professional do an oil-to-gas conversion for your furnace so that you can take advantage of the cheaper cost of natural gas. This is a very common service among homeowners who have recently gained access to natural gas in their area.
Consider Installing HVAC Zoning
HVAC zoning is when treated air delivery is split up into different zones, each running on its own thermostat. For example, if you have a two-story home, you’ll likely notice that your downstairs tends to be a few degrees different than your upstairs during the winter. This is because heat naturally rises.
With a traditional heating system, you only have one thermostat that you use. When you turn up the thermostat, it will produce heat for your entire home. This is unnecessary when you just want to warm up your first level by a few degrees. HVAC zoning can allow you to set each level at its own temperature. This way, you can simply turn up the temperature to your lower level of your residence without wasting excess energy heating up your upper level.
Be Mindful of Indoor Humidity Levels
Humidity can play a big role in how you feel in different temperatures. Moisture in the air will retain heat. If you introduce a safe amount of moisture into the air, it can make your home feel warmer without you having to turn up the temperature on your thermostat. A good relative indoor humidity level of 30% to 50% can be easily achieved with a whole-home humidification system.
Top-Quality HVAC Maintenance Service
F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers top-quality cooling and heating maintenance service for the Cheshire, CT, area. We can also assist with all your home cooling, heating, commercial, plumbing, roofing, electrical, solar, indoor air quality, and home energy-efficiency needs.
Book an appointment by contacting our friendly staff at F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today.
