大象传媒

With winter on the way, you might be eyeing your energy bills with trepidation. 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鈥檛 worry鈥攚ith the right approach, you can control your winter energy efficiency and save some serious cash. Here鈥檚 how to optimize your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.

Schedule Fall Furnace Maintenance

Your HVAC system is like a car鈥攊t runs more efficiently when well-maintained. Scheduling annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives improves your system鈥檚 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. Catching and repairing these problems early prevents inconvenient breakdowns and more costly repair bills mid-season.

Replace Your Aging Furnace

If your furnace is more than 10 years old and having problems, it might be time for an upgrade. Outdated systems can be a significant financial burden, costing you more in energy and repairs than they鈥檙e worth. Replacing your furnace with a high-efficiency Energy Star庐-certified model can lower your energy costs by as much as 40%. Plus, you鈥檒l enjoy a more consistently comfortable indoor environment when your heating equipment meets today鈥檚 standards.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Remember those hot summer days when you set the thermostat to 78 degrees to save money? Well, that setting won鈥檛 do you any favors in the winter. Adjust your thermostat for the season by setting it to 70 degrees or  lower. Every degree you drop the temperature can save you up to 3% on your heating bill.

Better yet, invest in a smart programmable thermostat you can set and forget. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices allow you to adjust your home鈥檚 temperature from anywhere. The most advanced learning models make automatic adjustments based on your habits, helping you stay comfortable while saving energy when you鈥檙e away or sleeping.

Replace the Air Filter

The furnace air filter impacts how efficiently your HVAC system operates. A dirty, clogged filter forces a heating and cooling system to work harder to circulate air, increasing energy consumption. To prevent this scenario, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as an inexpensive and straightforward way to improve winter energy efficiency.

Assess Your Air Registers

The little details matter. Quickly dusting your supply and return registers removes hair, dirt and other obstructions that impede airflow. Once clean, make sure your curtains, rugs and furniture don鈥檛 block the vents. Keeping the path clear for warm air to circulate makes a big difference in your home鈥檚 comfort and energy usage this winter.

Eliminate Drafts in Your Home

Even minor drafts can put undue strain on your HVAC system. Conduct a sweep of your home to identify and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to find on cold, 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 stop costly air leaks in their tracks.

Boost Insulation in Your Home

The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to an existing home. More insulation on the attic floor means less heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain a comfortable temperature. But insulation isn鈥檛 just for your attic鈥攜ou can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to improve energy efficiency.

Consider Zoning

If your home has multiple levels or wings, you could benefit from installing a zoned HVAC system. This involves putting dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that allow you to independently control the temperature in different areas of your home. You might 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.

Opt for a Humidifier

Winter air is notoriously dry. You may combat this with tabletop humidifiers throughout your residence, but there鈥檚 a better way. Install a whole-house humidifier to work in tandem with your furnace. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier promotes a more comfortable interior without cranking up the thermostat.

Partner with 大象传媒 Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Winter Prep in the U.S.

If you鈥檙e looking to enhance your home鈥檚 winter energy efficiency in the U.S., 大象传媒 Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to assist. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, durable solutions to all your comfort issues, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

If you鈥檙e not completely satisfied with our service, you can rely on us to make it right. Call 866-397-3787 today so the team at 大象传媒 Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can make a significant difference in your life and sense of comfort this winter.