Ways to Increase Your Furnace’s Energy Efficiency
With winter on the way, you may be looking at your energy bills with dread. 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’t panic—with the right approach, you can manage your winter energy efficiency and save a significant amount of cash. Here’s how to fine-tune your climate control system to keep your home cozy without breaking the bank.
Arrange Fall Furnace Maintenance
Your heating and cooling system is like a car—it operates easier when well-maintained. Scheduling annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives boosts your system’s operation and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. Apart from helping your HVAC equipment run more efficiently, this scheduled check can uncover any potential issues. Catching and fixing these concerns early prevents unexpected failures and more costly repair bills mid-season.
Replace Your Aging Furnace
If your furnace is more than 10 years old and having problems, it could be the right time for furnace replacement. Old systems can be a substantial hit to your wallet, costing you more in energy and repairs than what you would save by replacing them. Replacing your furnace with a high-efficiency Energy Star®-certified system can minimize 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.
Modify Your Thermostat
Remember those sweltering summer days when you adjusted the thermostat to 78 degrees to save on cooling expenses? Well, that setting won’t be beneficial in the winter. Modify your thermostat for the season by adjusting it to 70 degrees or less. Every degree you lower the temperature can save you up to 3% on your heating expenses.
Better yet, opt for 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 taking into account your behaviors, helping you maintain comfort while saving electricity when you’re away or sleeping.
Switch Out the Air Filter
A furnace air filter has an impact on how efficiently your HVAC system operates. A dirty, blocked filter forces the HVAC system to work harder to circulate air, raising energy consumption. To avoid this from happening, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as a cost-effective and straightforward way to improve winter energy efficiency.
Check Your Air Registers
The little details matter. Rapidly dusting your supply and return registers cleans out hair, dirt and other barriers that impede airflow. Once clean, make sure your curtains, rugs and furniture don’t block the vents. Maintaining an unobstructed path for warm air to circulate makes a significant impact in your home’s comfort and energy usage this winter.
Remove Drafts in Your Home
Even slight drafts can put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Carry out a sweep of your home to identify and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to discover on cold, windy days that draw the heat out through gaps and cracks. Place weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows, and apply spray foam around plumbing, vents and wiring penetrations to stop costly air leaks immediately.
Add More Insulation in Your Home
The attic is the simplest place to add insulation to a home. More insulation on the attic floor means reduced heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your home heating system to maintain a pleasant temperature. But insulation isn’t just for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to enhance energy efficiency.
Consider Zoning
If your home has multiple levels or wings, you may gain advantages from setting up a zoned HVAC system. This involves placing dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that allow you to independently control the temperature in distinct sections of your home. You could heat the ground floor during the day and the upstairs bedrooms at night, which allows you to use less energy by only paying to heat specific areas of your home when you need them.
Choose a Humidifier
Winter air is infamously dry. You may tackle this with tabletop humidifiers throughout your living space, but there’s a better way. Set up a whole-house humidifier to work in tandem with your HVAC. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier encourages a warmer interior without increasing the thermostat.
Partner with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Winter Prep in Fort Lauderdale
If you’re looking to enhance your home’s winter energy efficiency in Fort Lauderdale, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is available to help. Our ACE-certified technicians offer efficient, reliable solutions to all your comfort issues, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you’re not happy with our service, you can rely on us to make it right. Call 954-736-4314 today so the technicians at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can make a substantial difference in your life and sense of comfort during the winter months.
