Winter means crisp and chilly temperatures, which is why you want to ensure your HVAC unit can keep you warm without racking up energy bills. Here are HVAC hacks to make your home cozy and help you save on heating costs this winter.
Invest in a programmable thermostat
With a programmable thermostat, you don’t have to keep your thermostat at a particular temperature all day, giving you a lot more control and saving money. For example, you can program the thermostat to lower the temperature when the house’s empty and keep the house comfy when you are indoors.
Want even more control and bigger savings? A smart thermostat can adjust itself based on your presence, external temperature, and settings. Plus, you can adjust the temperature on your smartphone from anywhere.
Ensure heating vents are not blocked
For even heating throughout your home, ensure nothing is blocking the vents. Check around the house and remove furniture, rugs, or curtains that can obstruct airflow.
If you’ve closed the vents to save money, that may be counterproductive as the system may work harder to heat the room. That means one thing - higher heating costs. If you must close vents in unused areas, leave them at least 25% open.
Replace air filters
We know we sound like a broken record, but we can’t stress this enough - replace your air filters! Your air filter works to catch dirt, dust, and allergens from the air.
As time passes, these particles build up and clog the filter, reducing the heat flow and making your home uncomfortable. For efficiency, it’s best to replace air filters every 1-3 months.
Prevent drafts
You may think it insignificant, but chilly air sneaking through cracks and gaps in windows and doors can make your home uncomfortable.
Thankfully, you can keep the internal temperature consistent by using a door draft stopper, replacing old caulking weatherstripping, or employing other insulation methods where necessary. With little to no heat loss, your HVAC unit will work less hard to warm up your home.
Keep your HVAC unit well-maintained
Before the start of winter, schedule an inspection and servicing to ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently all winter long. The last thing you want is a heating system failure in the thick of the chilly season.
Aside from keeping you warm throughout winter, maintaining your HVAC will ensure it lasts as long as it should.
Winter doesn’t have to be uncomfortable
With these tips, you can look forward to winter without worrying about the cold. If you have a concern or want to schedule an inspection, call us today. Our technician will visit your home and resolve any issues before they can trouble you.