Tips to Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Winter

With winter on the way, you may be looking at your energy bills with trepidation. The freezing months often bring a rise in electricity or natural gas costs, depending on what fuel source you use to heat your home and hot water. But don’t fret—with the right approach, you can control your winter energy efficiency and save some serious cash. Here’s how to adjust your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to keep your home comfortable without emptying your wallet.

Schedule Fall Furnace Maintenance

Your climate control system is like a car—it runs better when well-maintained. Booking annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives improves your system’s efficiency and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. Apart from helping your HVAC equipment operate more efficiently, this scheduled check can detect any hidden issues. Finding and addressing these concerns early prevents unexpected failures 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 furnace replacement. Antiquated systems can be a substantial hit to your wallet, costing you more in energy and repairs than they’re worth. Replacing your furnace with a high-efficiency Energy Star®-certified unit can minimize your energy costs by as much as 40%. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more consistently comfortable indoor environment when your heating equipment meets today’s standards.

Fine-Tune Your Thermostat

Remember those warm summer days when you set the thermostat to 78 degrees to save on cooling expenses? Well, that setting won’t help you in the winter. Make the most of your thermostat for the season by configuring it to 70 degrees or  a lower temperature. Every degree you decrease the temperature can save you up to 3% on your heating expenses.

Moreover, opt for a smart programmable thermostat you can set and forget. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices permit you to control your home’s temperature remotely. The most advanced learning models make automatic adjustments taking into account your behaviors, helping you maintain comfort while saving power when you’re away or sleeping.

Replace the Air Filter

The furnace air filter influences how efficiently your HVAC system functions. A dirty, clogged filter forces your furnace and air conditioner to work harder to circulate air, escalating energy consumption. To avoid this situation, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as a budget-friendly and easy 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 blockages that hinder airflow. Once clean, be certain that your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t obstructing the vents. Keeping the path clear 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 minor drafts can put undue strain on your heating and cooling system. Carry out a sweep of your home to identify and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to discover 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 stop costly air leaks immediately.

Boost Insulation in Your Home

The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to a home. More insulation on the attic floor means decreased heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your heating and cooling system to maintain a comfortable temperature. But insulation isn’t solely for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to improve energy savings.

Think About Zoning

If your home has several floors or wings, you may gain advantages from installing 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, conserving energy by only paying to heat specific areas of your home when you need them.

Select a Humidifier

Winter air is infamously dry. You might tackle this with multiple humidifiers throughout your living space, but there’s a better way. Install a whole-house humidifier to work in coordination with your HVAC. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier promotes a warmer interior without raising the thermostat.

Partner with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Winter Prep in the U.S.

If you’re looking to boost your home’s winter energy efficiency in the U.S., Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is ready to support. Our ACE-certified technicians offer efficient, reliable solutions to all your comfort issues, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

If you’re not thoroughly pleased with our performance, you can depend on us to make it right. Call 866-397-3787 today so the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can make a meaningful difference in your life and sense of comfort this winter.