While cold winter weather usually means spending more time at home with family, it does come with some downsides. One of the most notable is expensive wintertime heating bills. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to help increase the efficiency of your heating system and lower your energy bills.
Install Adequate Insulation
Insulation provides a necessary barrier between the cold outside air and the warm air inside your home. The higher the R-value your insulation has, the more resistant it’s going to be to temperature changes. A great way to increase the efficiency of your heating system is to invest in quality insulation for your home. Be sure that your new insulation either meets or has a higher R-value than the building recommendations for your area.
Get a Learning Smart Thermostat
Investing in a smart thermostat can help to increase the efficiency of your heating system by optimizing your thermostat settings. All of these units allow you to program in different temperature settings for each day of the week and the time of the day. This can allow you to decrease temperatures at times when you’re not at home to help limit how often your heating system runs. Newer learning smart thermostats will even provide you with suggestions on how to alter your settings to maximize your system’s operating efficiency.
Keep Air Vents Clear
If you rely on a forced-air heating system, then all of the vents in your ducting need to be completely open. This ensures optimal pressure inside of your ducting for adequate heat delivery. If you close any of your vents, it could reduce the efficiency of your heating system. Furthermore, if there are any obstructions in front of your supply or return vents, it can restrict the airflow in your ducting. Be sure to check all of your air vents to ensure that they’re in the open position and that there are no obstructions blocking the flow of air in or out of your vents at the beginning of the winter season.
Consider a Whole-Home Humidifier
Another great way to help make your heating system more efficient is to invest in a whole-home humidification system. This type of system will actively introduce moisture into the air so that the relative indoor humidity level will be at whatever you set on your thermostat. This will help to eliminate the problem of low humidity in your home, which can make it harder for your heating system to warm up the air. Humid air will retain more heat than air with low humidity.
Upgrade Your Heating System
If your heating system is getting up there in age, you may want to consider replacing it. Heating systems made today are much more efficient than heating systems made just 10 years ago. You can enjoy a more efficient heating system, as well as lower energy bills, when you upgrade. Furthermore, you can take advantage of purchasing new high-efficiency heating systems that offer even lower operating costs at a higher upfront purchase price.
Change Your Filter Regularly
Your heating system has a filter that traps airborne contaminants. This is essential for maintaining the quality of air inside your home and protecting the internal components of your heating system. As your filter nears the end of its lifespan, it’s going to be much harder for your heating system to force air through it. This means that your heating system will be less efficient. The best way to prevent this problem is to keep up with regular filter changes. Most homeowners will find that they need to replace their filters every two months. Be sure to keep a spare filter on hand so that you can do a replacement immediately whenever necessary.
Seal Up Air Leaks
Areas where cold outdoor air can enter your home can lead to temperature decreases, prompting your heating system to work extra hard to restore warmth. A great way to help drastically increase the efficiency of your heating system is to seal up any leaks that you find. You can use spray foam, caulking, and even weatherstripping to seal up leaks. The most prominent places for leaks to develop are the door and window frames on your exterior walls. You may also find that you need to use foam insert pads to prevent air seepage at your light switches and outlets.
Consider Duct Sealing and Cleaning Services
Ductwork is responsible for delivering warm air to all the rooms of your home. Unfortunately, debris can build up inside your ducting over time and reduce the airflow throughout your system. This can lead to the inefficiency of your heating system. Furthermore, over time your ducting can start to pull apart at its joints and allow air to seep out. When warm air seeps out of your ducting, less of it gets delivered to the rooms in your home. Fortunately, you can fix both of these issues by investing in duct cleaning and sealing services.
Use Heat From Direct Sunlight
Allowing direct sunlight to pour into your home can help to increase the indoor temperature without having to run your heating system as often. Opt for opening your curtains and blinds during the daytime hours, especially those on the southernmost side of your home to allow in as much direct sunlight as possible. The more sunlight you allow into your home, the lower your heating bills will be.
Schedule Annual Maintenance Service
It’s always recommended to get professional maintenance service for your heating system in the fall. This will give your heating professional an adequate amount of time to repair any issues that your system may have that could be decreasing its operating efficiency. This service will involve cleaning all the internal components of your system, lubricating moving parts, and even calibrating your thermostat to ensure that your entire heating system is functioning optimally. When your system is functioning at its peak, you can have peace of mind that you’re not wasting your money on excessive energy bills.
Use Ceiling Fans
One of the best things you can do is use ceiling fans to help recirculate hot air in your home. You should install these fans in your bedrooms, living room, den, and other major rooms of your home. Be sure to run your ceiling fans in reverse so they force air outward and down to the floor. When you’re consistently recirculating hot air that gets stuck at the top of your rooms, you can be more comfortable in your home without having to run your heating system more often.
Local Heating Maintenance Experts
72 Degrees Heating & Air Conditioning offers expert heating maintenance services for the Apex, NC community. We can assist with all your heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality needs. Our team also offers duct, smart thermostat, and gas heating conversion services. Call us today to book your next service consultation with one of our HVAC technicians.
