Tips to Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Winter
With winter on the way, you may be considering your energy bills with a sense of unease. The freezing 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 fret—with the right approach, you can manage your winter energy efficiency and save a pile of cash. Here’s how to optimize your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.
Book Fall Furnace Maintenance
Your HVAC system is like a car—it runs better when well-maintained. Booking annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives improves your system’s efficiency and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. In addition to helping your HVAC equipment run more efficiently, this scheduled check can detect any potential issues. Catching and addressing these concerns early prevents unexpected failures and more costly repair bills mid-season.
Consider Replacing Your Current Furnace
If your furnace is more than 10 years old and frequently failing, it could be the right time for furnace replacement. Old systems can be a considerable hit to your wallet, costing you more in energy and repairs than the cost of replacement in the long run. Replacing your furnace with a high-efficiency Energy Star®-certified system can minimize your power expenses by as much as 40%. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more consistently cozy indoor environment when your heating equipment meets today’s standards.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Remember those hot summer days when you programmed your thermostat to 78 degrees to save money? Well, that setting won’t be beneficial in colder months. Adjust your thermostat for the season by setting it to 70 degrees or lower. Every degree you drop the temperature can save you upward of 3% on your heating expenses.
Better yet, opt for a smart programmable thermostat you can set and not think about. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices permit you to modify your home’s temperature from anywhere. The most advanced learning models make automatic adjustments taking into account your behaviors, helping you maintain comfort while saving energy when you’re away or sleeping.
Replace the Air Filter
Your furnace air filter impacts how efficiently your HVAC system functions. A dirty, clogged filter forces a heating and cooling system to work harder to circulate air, increasing energy consumption. To stop this situation, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as a budget-friendly and easy way to improve winter energy efficiency.
Evaluate Your Air Registers
The little details count. Occasionally dusting your supply and return registers eliminates hair, dirt and other obstructions that restrict airflow. Once clean, ensure your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t obstructing the vents. Keeping the path clear for warm air to circulate makes a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy usage this winter.
Eliminate Drafts in Your Home
Even minor drafts can put excessive strain on your heating and cooling system. Perform a sweep of your home to identify and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to discover on chilly, windy days that draw the heat out through gaps and cracks. Place weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows, and apply spray foam around plumbing, vents and wiring penetrations to prevent costly air leaks in their tracks.
Boost Insulation in Your Home
The attic is the easiest 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 HVAC system to maintain a pleasant temperature. But insulation isn’t solely for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to improve energy efficiency.
Think About Zoning
If your home has multiple levels or wings, you might find advantages from using a zoned HVAC system. This involves putting dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that allow you to independently control the temperature in various zones of your home. You could heat the ground floor during the day and the upstairs bedrooms at night, conserving energy by only paying to heat select parts of your home when you need them.
Choose a Humidifier
Winter air is notoriously dry. You may combat this with multiple humidifiers throughout your residence, but there’s a better way. Use a whole-house humidifier to work in tandem with your HVAC. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier promotes a warmer interior without cranking up the thermostat.
Work with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Winter Prep in Fort Lauderdale
If you’re looking to boost your home’s winter energy efficiency in Fort Lauderdale, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is available to help. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, reliable solutions to all your comfort challenges, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you’re not happy with our performance, 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 meaningful difference in your life and sense of comfort during the winter months.
