Winter Energy Efficiency Tips for Your HVAC System
With winter on the way, you might be considering your energy bills with dread. The cold months often bring an uptick in electricity or natural gas costs, depending on what fuel source you use to heat your home and hot water. But don’t panic—with the right approach, you can control your winter energy efficiency and save a significant amount of cash. Here’s how to fine-tune your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable without draining your finances.
Schedule Fall Furnace Maintenance
Your HVAC system is like a car—it functions easier when well-maintained. Arranging annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives boosts your system’s efficiency and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. Apart from helping your HVAC equipment function more efficiently, this scheduled check can detect any potential issues. Finding and addressing these problems early prevents disruptions during the heating season and more costly repair bills mid-season.
Replace Your Aging Furnace
If your furnace is more than 10 years old and experiencing malfunctions, it could be the right time for an upgrade. Outdated systems can be a significant financial burden, costing you more in energy and repairs than the cost of replacement in the long run.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 unit can reduce your energy costs by as much as 40%. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more consistently comfortable indoor environment when your heating system furnace meets today’s standards.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Remember those sweltering summer days when you set the thermostat to 78 degrees to save money? Well, that setting won’t help you in the winter. Modify your thermostat for the season by configuring it to 70 degrees or lower. Every degree you decrease the temperature can save you upward of 3% on your heating expenses.
Moreover, consider buying a smart programmable thermostat you can set and forget. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices enable you to adjust your home’s temperature remotely. 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.
Switch Out the Air Filter
The furnace air filter influences how efficiently your HVAC system operates. A dirty, obstructed filter forces your furnace and air conditioner to work harder to circulate air, increasing energy consumption. To avoid this situation, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as an inexpensive and straightforward way to improve winter energy efficiency.
Evaluate Your Air Registers
The little details matter. Occasionally dusting your supply and return registers cleans out hair, dirt and other barriers that restrict airflow. Once clean, ensure your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t obstructing the vents. Maintaining an unobstructed path for warm air to circulate makes a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy usage this winter.
Seal Leaks to Prevent Drafts in Your Home
Even minor drafts can put excessive strain on your heating and cooling system. Carry out a sweep of your home to locate and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to detect on freezing, windy days that suck the heat out through gaps and cracks. Install weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows, and apply spray foam around plumbing, vents and wiring penetrations to halt costly air leaks right away.
Increase Insulation in Your Home
The attic is the most convenient 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 heating and cooling 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 boost efficiency.
Explore Zoning
If your home has several floors or wings, you might find advantages from installing a zoned HVAC system. This involves putting dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that permit you to independently control the temperature in distinct sections of your home. You might heat the ground floor during the day and the upstairs bedrooms at night, saving energy by only paying to heat select parts of your home when you need them.
Opt for a Humidifier
Winter air is notoriously dry. You might address this with tabletop humidifiers throughout your living space, but there’s a more effective way. Set up a whole-house humidifier to work in coordination with your heating system. 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 Calgary
If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s winter energy efficiency in Calgary, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to support. Our certified technicians offer prompt, durable solutions to all your comfort concerns, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you’re not thoroughly pleased with our work, you can depend on us to make it right. Call 403-279-5760 today so the crew at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can make a significant difference in your life and sense of comfort this winter.