Winter Energy Efficiency Tips for Your HVAC System

With winter on the way, you could be looking at your energy bills with trepidation. 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 control your winter energy efficiency and save some serious cash. Here’s how to fine-tune your HVAC system to keep your home pleasant without breaking the bank.

Schedule Fall Furnace Maintenance

Your heating and cooling system is like a car—it functions more efficiently when well-maintained. Scheduling annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives enhances your system’s operation and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. Apart from helping your HVAC equipment operate more efficiently, this routine check can uncover any lurking issues. Finding and repairing these issues early prevents disruptions during the heating season 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 might be time for a new one. Outdated systems can be a significant drain on your finances, costing you more in energy and repairs than the cost of replacement in the long run.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 system can reduce your utility bills 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 on cooling expenses? Well, that setting won’t help you in colder months. Modify your thermostat for the season by setting it to 70 degrees or  lower. Every degree you lower the temperature can save you as much as 3% on your heating expenses.

Even better, invest in a smart programmable thermostat you can set and leave alone. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices allow you to adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere. The most advanced learning models make automatic adjustments according to your routines, helping you stay comfortable while saving electricity when you’re away or sleeping.

Replace the Air Filter

A furnace air filter influences how efficiently your HVAC system functions. A dirty, blocked filter forces the HVAC system to work harder to circulate air, raising energy consumption. To avoid this scenario, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as a budget-friendly and straightforward way to improve winter energy efficiency.

Check Your Air Registers

The little details matter. Rapidly dusting your supply and return registers eliminates hair, dirt and other obstructions that impede airflow. Once clean, ensure your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t obstructing the vents. Ensuring clear passage for warm air to circulate makes a substantial improvement in your home’s comfort and energy usage this winter.

Seal Leaks to Prevent Drafts in Your Home

Even slight drafts can put unnecessary strain on your heating and cooling system. Conduct a sweep of your home to spot and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to detect on chilly, windy days that pull 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 prevent costly air leaks right away.

Add More 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 decreased heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your heating and cooling system to maintain a cozy temperature. But insulation isn’t just for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to improve energy efficiency.

Think About Zoning

If your home has several floors or wings, you could benefit from using a zoned HVAC system. This involves putting dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that enable you to independently control the temperature in various zones of your home. You may heat the ground floor during the day and the upstairs bedrooms at night, saving energy by only paying to heat chosen sections of your home when you need them.

Choose a Humidifier

Winter air is typically extremely dry. You might tackle this with multiple humidifiers throughout your residence, but there’s a better way. Use a whole-house humidifier to work alongside your furnace. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier encourages a more comfortable interior without increasing the thermostat.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Winter Prep in Fort Lauderdale

If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s winter energy efficiency in Fort Lauderdale, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is available to help. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort issues, 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 954-736-4314 today so the technicians at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can make a significant difference in your life and sense of comfort in the colder season.

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