As temperatures drop the need for heat becomes a number one priority. Although, with current energy costs, saving is a number one concern for energy consumers. Here are ten energy saving tips to stay warm and reduce energy costs this winter:
Seal Drafts & Cracks: Inspect all areas in your home or space for any openings that could potentially let out heat. If there are any leaks some possible solutions are to use caulking, weather stripping, or draft stoppers. This can reduce heat loss and keep your HVAC system from overworking.
Replace Air Filters Periodically: Replacing your air filters periodically can keep your system running efficiently to maintain heat. Check your HVAC systems warranty to see how often it is recommended to change them out. If you are still unsure we recommend around once a month to maintain heat and air quality.
Lower your Thermostat: Keep your thermostat at a low enough temperature to not only maintain heat, but to also keep your system running efficiently. According to the U.S. Department of Energy for every degree lowered you can save about 1% on your energy bill.
Use a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat can find the best temperatures for specific times of day. It can be programmed to adjust the temperature when you're at work during the day, automatically adjusting to your needs. This makes it more energy efficient to not overuse heat.
Optimize Ventilation: Keep all vents and registers free from obstructions like furniture, toys, debris, etc. This allows for the heat to flow freely without blockages limiting air flow.
Home Insulation: Homes and spaces should be properly insulated to retain heat. To conserve heat make sure all areas like the attic, walls, and floors have adequate insulation.
Energy Saving on Emergency Heat Pump & Electric HVAC: If you have an all electric heat pump system electric heat in extreme cold temperatures is an option. When it gets to 25 degrees and below you can turn on the emergency electric heat on your heat pump to save on energy while staying warm.
Use Natural Heat: Using natural heat during the day with south-facing windows. Open curtains during the day to utilize sunlight and close them in the evening to trap the natural heat. This keeps your heating system from being used so much during the day.
Maintenance Upkeep: All necessary maintenance should be taken care of to keep your HVAC heating system running efficiently. Taking care of maintenance when needed can reduce any malfunctions saving money in the future.
Upgrade Your Unit: While it might seem counterintuitive to purchase an entirely new unit, it can be a very cost effective solution in the long-term. Older units can use up more energy with more maintenance needed and old systems. A newer unit has more energy efficient systems which can reduce maintenance needs and save energy.
With these tips in mind we hope that this helps reduce costs on your energy bill. If you have any questions, reach out to us at Air-Mart AC & Heating. We can help you figure out what’s wrong with your HVAC heating system, and find the best solution to keep it working efficiently. If you are looking for the best option to replace your heating system we suggest either an all electric Heat pump or a Condensing Gas Furnace with a 90+% btu output.
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