Winter Energy Efficiency Tips for Your HVAC System
With winter on the way, you might 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 worry—with a suitable approach, you can manage your winter energy efficiency and save some serious cash. Here’s how to fine-tune your climate control system to keep your home cozy without emptying your wallet.
Arrange Fall Furnace Maintenance
Your HVAC system is like a car—it functions better when well-maintained. Scheduling annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives improves your system’s performance and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. Beyond helping your HVAC equipment run more efficiently, this routine check can reveal any lurking issues. Identifying and repairing these problems 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 experiencing malfunctions, it may be time for furnace replacement. Old systems can be a substantial hit to your wallet, costing you more in energy and repairs than they’re worth. Replacing your furnace with a high-efficiency Energy Star®-certified model can reduce your energy costs by as much as 40%. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more consistently cozy 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 money? Well, that setting won’t do you any favors in the chilly winter season. Adjust your thermostat for the season by adjusting it to 70 degrees or less. Every degree you decrease the temperature can save you as much as 3% on your heating bill.
Even better, invest in a smart programmable thermostat you can set and not think about. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices enable you to control 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 electricity when you’re away or sleeping.
Switch Out the Air Filter
A furnace air filter impacts how efficiently your HVAC system runs. A dirty, clogged filter forces the HVAC system to work harder to circulate air, raising energy consumption. To stop this situation, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as a cost-effective and easy way to improve winter energy efficiency.
Assess Your Air Registers
The little details make a difference. Quickly dusting your supply and return registers removes hair, dirt and other blockages that restrict airflow. Once clean, make sure your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t blocking the vents. Ensuring clear passage for warm air to circulate makes a substantial improvement in your home’s comfort and energy usage this winter.
Remove Drafts in Your Home
Even minor drafts can put excessive strain on your home heating system. Conduct a sweep of your home to spot and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to find 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 stop costly air leaks right away.
Increase Insulation in Your Home
The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to an existing home. Extra insulation on the attic floor means reduced heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your home heating system to maintain a cozy temperature. But insulation isn’t solely for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to boost energy savings.
Think About Zoning
If your home has multiple levels or wings, you could benefit 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 distinct sections of your home. You may heat the ground floor during the day and the upstairs bedrooms at night, which allows you to use less energy by only paying to heat specific areas of your home when you need them.
Choose a Humidifier
Winter air is infamously dry. You could address this with multiple humidifiers throughout your living space, but there’s a better 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 raising the thermostat.
Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Winter Prep in Edmonton
If you’re looking to boost your home’s winter energy efficiency in Edmonton, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is available to help. Our certified technicians offer quick, reliable solutions to all your comfort issues, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you’re not happy with our performance, you can trust us to make it right. Call 587-404-0790 today so the crew at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can make a significant difference in your life and sense of comfort this winter.