Keeping your home warm becomes a priority as winter approaches, but that doesn’t mean your energy bills need to skyrocket. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to reduce heating costs while maintaining a comfortable living environment. From routine HVAC maintenance to simple adjustments like using window coverings and setting your thermostat wisely, these practical tips can help you save money without compromising comfort.
Have Your Heating System Professionally Serviced
One of the best things you can do to keep your heating costs down is to have an HVAC professional service and inspect your heating system at the start of each winter. Whether you have a furnace or a heat pump, it will always heat more effectively if you take the time to ensure it’s properly maintained. The more effectively it heats, the less time it will need to run and the less energy it will use.
Maintenance helps to reduce heating costs by preventing or resolving various issues that can decrease the performance of your furnace or heat pump. Among other tasks, a professional will clean the coils, tighten loose electrical connections, and check the refrigerant level when they tune up a heat pump system. Alternatively, they will perform maintenance like cleaning the burners, lubricating moving parts, and checking the safety features of a furnace. They will also replace worn parts, such as frayed fan belts, to prevent minor issues before they develop into major problems.
In addition to keeping your energy bills lower, having your heating system serviced also makes it less likely that it will break down when you need it most. You’ll also almost always extend the lifetime of your furnace or heat pump if you have it serviced every year.
Replace Your HVAC Air Filter Regularly
Equally as important as professional heating maintenance is making sure you replace your heating system’s air filter often enough. The air filter protects your heater from dust and debris that may damage its internal components. It also plays a critical role in maintaining your indoor air quality by capturing airborne pollutants that would overwise recirculate through your living spaces. However, when it becomes clogged, it can cause various issues related to airflow restriction, including making your heating system run harder and longer to keep your home comfortable.
In areas like Atlanta, where heating systems typically don’t run as frequently, changing your air filter every three months is usually sufficient. However, it’s a good idea to check the filter monthly to monitor its condition. Sometimes, filters can become dirty faster and need replacement sooner, especially if you have pets, as their hair can get drawn into the system and clog the filter. Additionally, the number of people who live in your home and if there is a cold snap can also impact how often the filter needs changing, as more activity and usage lead to quicker buildup of dust and debris.
There are a few signs to look out for to determine when it is time to replace your air filter. A visible layer of dust and dirt on the filter is a clear indication that it needs changing. You may also notice that your heating system is running longer than usual or that the airflow from your vents seems weaker. Additionally, if your energy bills increase without explanation, it could be due to a clogged filter. You can also purchase filters that change color as they collect debris, making it easier to know when they need to be replaced.
Set Your Thermostat Back During the Day and Overnight
Another effective way to keep your heating costs down is to set your thermostat to a more economical temperature when possible. One thing you should always do is turn the heat down by at least a few degrees before going to bed. After all, there’s really no reason to keep your house as warm when you’re nestled under the covers and asleep. The other time you want to set your thermostat back is when family members are at work or school. Even if you just set your thermostat back by 5-7 degrees during these times, it will typically lower your heating costs by 10% or more.
If you still need to upgrade to a programmable thermostat, doing so before winter is a smart move. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that using a programmable thermostat can save homeowners up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs when properly set to adjust the temperature while you’re asleep or away from home.
Consider Upgrading Your Windows
While double- and triple-pane windows are far more effective at reducing heat loss compared to single-pane windows, even the best windows contribute to some heat loss because glass is a poor insulator. Double- and triple-pane windows are filled with insulating gases like argon or krypton, which help minimize heat transfer through the panes to address this issue.
The insulating capacity of a material is measured by its R-value, which indicates how well it resists heat transfer. In the Atlanta area, exterior walls are typically insulated to an R-value of R-13 to R-15, while double-pane windows usually range from R-3 to R-4. Although this is significantly lower than the insulation provided by walls, it is still a substantial improvement over single-pane windows, which have a much lower R-value. Upgrading to double- or triple-pane windows can help reduce heat loss, making your home warmer and reducing the strain on your heating system. If replacing windows isn’t in your budget, applying plastic window film during the winter can be an affordable alternative to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency.
Use Window Coverings
To reduce heat loss through any type of window, consider using insulated curtains or cellular blinds at night or when the sun isn’t shining. When closed, these coverings create an additional barrier that helps trap warmth inside your home. However, it’s beneficial to leave some windows uncovered during the day to take advantage of natural solar heat. South- and east-facing windows allow in the most sunlight and should remain open during daylight hours for maximum warmth.
Seal Around Windows
Regardless of the type of windows you have, it’s important to check for air leaks around the frames. Even high-quality windows can allow significant heat loss if not properly sealed. If you feel drafts or notice air leaks, it may be time to re-caulk around the window frame or replace the weather stripping to ensure a snug seal and prevent heat from escaping.
Contact the Pros
If you need assistance with your heating this winter, Precision Heating & Air is here to help. As a local, family-owned business serving Dallas, GA and the Metro Atlanta area for over three decades, we take pride in providing reliable HVAC services. Our certified technicians are experienced in heating maintenance and servicing and repairing all makes and models of furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners. We will ensure your home stays comfortable throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a tune-up to prepare your heating system for the colder months ahead.
