As winter’s icy grip tightens, we naturally crank up the heat to keep the chill away. But while our homes grow cozy, our energy bills can spike exponentially. If you’re looking for ways to save money this winter, focus on improving your heating system’s efficiency. Here’s how to do it:
Invest in Regular Maintenance
One of the most effective ways to improve heating system efficiency is through regular maintenance. Just like a car, your heating system needs tune-ups to run at its best. These simple tasks keep your system running smoothly, prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensure your system isn’t working harder than necessary, and extend the life of your heating equipment, postponing the need for costly replacements.
Be sure to schedule regular maintenance checks with a professional HVAC technician. They’ll clean or replace air filters, check for leaks in the ductwork, and ensure all components are functioning correctly — all in an effort to help you reduce energy usage and lower your utility bills. Request a furnace maintenance or heat pump maintenance appointment before issues leave you freezing in the cold!
Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
If you’re still using an old manual thermostat, you’re missing out on substantial energy savings. Programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can program the temperature to lower automatically when you’re asleep or away from home and warm up just before you wake or return.
Smart thermostats can be even more beneficial. They learn your habits and preferences over time and adjust the temperature accordingly. Some can even detect when you’ve left the house and adjust the temperature to save energy. Additionally, many smart thermostats can be controlled via smartphone apps, giving you the ability to adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere.
Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation
Your heating system might be working efficiently, but if your home is leaking warm air, you’re still wasting energy. Air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings can lead to significant heat loss. Sealing these leaks with caulk, weatherstripping, or expanding foam insulation can make a big difference in your home’s heating efficiency.
You should also take the time to check the insulation in your attic space, walls, and floors. Proper insulation keeps the warm air inside during winter (and out during summer), reducing the workload on your heating system. If your insulation is old or insufficient, consider upgrading to meet current energy efficiency standards.
Optimize Your Ductwork
For homes with forced-air heating systems, the ductwork is crucial to delivering warm and hot air throughout your house. Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can waste a lot of energy. In fact, ENERGY STAR estimates that typical duct systems lose 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through them due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts.
Have a professional inspect your duct system for leaks and seal them properly. Also, ensure that any ducts that run through unheated spaces like attics or crawl spaces are well-insulated to prevent heat loss.
Consider Upgrading to a More Efficient System
If your home heating system is old or inefficient, it might be time to consider an upgrade. While the upfront cost can be significant, a new, energy-efficient unit can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills over time.
When shopping for a new system, look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR certified heating equipment is certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. Depending on where you live, you might also qualify for rebates or tax credits when you install certified equipment. When you request a furnace installation or a heat pump replacement, our team will help you understand all your options.
Use Ceiling Fans to Your Advantage
It might seem counterintuitive, but ceiling fans can actually help improve your home’s heating efficiency. In the winter, run your ceiling fans clockwise at a low speed. This creates an updraft that pushes warm air near the ceiling down into the living space. This simple trick can make your room feel warmer, allowing you to lower your thermostat setting and save energy.
Let the Sunshine In
Take advantage of natural heat from the sun. Open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows during the day to let sunlight warm your home naturally. Close them at night to retain the heat. This passive solar heating can reduce the load on your heating system and save energy.
Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Maintaining proper humidity levels in your home can also improve heating system efficiency. Dry air feels cooler, which might tempt you to raise the thermostat. Using a humidifier to keep indoor humidity between 30-50% can make your home feel warmer at lower temperatures, reducing the workload on your heat pump or furnace.
Make Small Changes for Big Savings
Improving your home’s heating efficiency doesn’t always require a complete system overhaul. Often, it’s the accumulation of small changes that lead to a significant reduction in energy costs. Just remember that every home is unique, and what works best for one might not be the optimal solution for another. If you’re unsure about the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency during the winter months, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
The experts at SGI Heating and Cooling can assess your home’s specific needs and recommend the most effective solutions to boost your heating system’s efficiency. Contact us today to find out how our heating services in Flint, MI, can help you.