Seal Air Leaks
Your home is full of potential areas that air is leaking – either letting cool air in or letting warm air escape. It is a good idea to do a full evaluation of your windows, doors, and spots like electrical switches to see if you have any leaks that might be forcing your furnace to work overtime. Use the old candle test by holding a lit candle next to the areas you suspect might be letting air out. If the flame flickers, then you know you have an issue. If you find leaks, weather stripping products can shore them up. This can make a significant difference not just in the fall and winter, but also during the summer when you have your air conditioning running.
Use Your Programmable Thermostat Wisely
Programmable thermostats are an excellent way to cut down on your heating and cooling costs, but only if you use them properly. Statistics tell us that you can save as much as 10% on your yearly energy costs by dropping the temperature just seven to ten degrees for eight hours or more. So if you are leaving for vacation or a day of work, and no one will be home, program your thermostat to run lower and then start back up again right before you return. There is no reason to heat a vacant home.
Use Natural Light
The sun’s rays provide radiant heat in your home if you use it wisely. When the sun is shining bright, open the shades and blinds and let the rays do their thing. When the sun goes down, close up your blinds again to provide a barrier to the outdoors. Keeping tabs on your window treatments might seem like a hassle; however, it will both save you money and help with your Vitamin D needs. It is a win-win situation!
Section Off Rooms When Not Being Used and Wear Layers
The registers in your home are supposed to effectively channel heat and cold to rooms that are being used. Using them properly will keep your spaces warm where you need them to be. Make sure to pay attention to things like closing doors to rooms that aren’t being used. Closing doors to section areas off is like shutting off lights that aren’t being used. It might be just a little savings, but all those will start to add up!
Although we get to wear warm-weather clothes longer than other regions, that doesn’t mean that we can wear shorts all year. When you’re at home, put on an extra layer of clothes so that you are comfortable with lower temperatures. It is always nice to cuddle up under some blankets and enjoy some body heat, and it gives your furnace a rest!
Replace Air Filters
Air filters are the first line of defense that your HVAC equipment has against things like fine particle build-up. But they only work when you replace them regularly. If it has been a while since you have switched yours out, they could be caked with debris and limiting your airflow. When that happens, your furnace has to work overtime, reducing its longevity and increasing your energy costs. Remember to change air filters out every month to reduce your energy consumption and extend the life of your HVAC equipment.
As the cold weather makes its way to the area, many will be excited to give their air conditioning a break, but we will be switching to heat soon enough. If you want to cut your energy costs, try these quick energy-saving tips from the best Charleston HVAC companies, like 1st Choice. Contact us to schedule your next maintenance appointment today!