Updating Your HVAC Unit

5 Ways To Lower Heating Costs

As winter gets closer, it is important to look at ways that you can lower your heating bill. It is important to take care of your furnace and do simple things like regularly changing the air filters. There are several strategies that you can use. These suggestions can also help you lower your cooling bill too.

Schedule Maintenance for Your Furnace and Air Conditioning System

It helps to have an HVAC specialist come out and go over your heating and cooling system at least once a year. They can check to make sure everything is working properly and keep your furnace running as well as possible. This can also catch problems so that you do not wake up one day with no heat at all. You may want to have your vents properly cleaned at the same time, especially if someone in your family has serious allergies.

Consider Upgrading Your Furnace

The new systems run much more efficiently than the older ones. Whether you have a natural gas furnace or one that uses electricity, you may be able to save significantly on your heating costs by replacing your furnace, especially if your furnace is more than ten years old. This may seem like a big upfront cost, but the upgrade can pay for itself over the next few years.

Fix Your Drafts

Even if you have the best furnace available, it is not going to do you much good if you are letting all of your heat escape during the winter. You can caulk any drafts around windows, add extra weather stripping around your doors, and even cover your windows in a clear plastic to stop heat from escaping during the winter. This can also help you save on your cooling costs during the summer months.

Add More Insulation to Your Attic

A lot of your heat will escape through your attic each year. One good check is to see if the snow melts quickly off of your roof compared to the neighbors. If it does, you are letting too much heat escape your home. You can have additional insulation added to help keep things warm. They have new types of insulation, including a spray foam that works really well. If you have an older home, you may want to upgrade the insulation in your attic.

Utilize a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help you save money. It allows you to set cooler times (in the winter) for when you are asleep or away from home. This is great if you like sleeping in a cooler temperature but hate getting up to a cold house. CNN recommends getting a programmable thermostat if you have family members that like to adjust the heat.

For more information on how to winterize your home, talk to a professional HVAC contractor like Comfy Cave Heating and Air.


Share