As a homeowner, you have two basic expectations of your home heating system in the winter. You want it to keep your home warm and comfortable, and you want an energy bill you can live with.
That sounds simple enough, but if you’ve paid a heating bill through more than a couple of winters, you know that it’s harder than it sounds. Keeping your HVAC system from breaking the bank requires some attention from you and some intervention from our HVAC services. Here are three tips on achieving your home heating goals this winter.
Add Insulation
No matter how good your heating system is, it will waste energy if the home doesn’t have enough insulation. A poorly-insulated home loses heat faster and allows more cold air to enter the living space than one with an adequate layer of insulation. As summer winds down, check your attic to see if the insulation has been moved around, and make sure there is an adequate layer of insulation.
Repeat the process in your basement or crawlspace. Caulk any gaps you find around windows, doors, dryer vents, or other openings. Check thresholds and door sweeps, and make sure that windows are fully closed and latched. Remember, the more of your heat that stays in the house, the less of it you’ll have to replace.
Manage the Thermostat
Some people get a little anxious talking about adjusting the thermostat to save money. They picture themselves bundled up in sweaters and blankets, struggling to stay warm despite having a modern home.
That’s not the kind of management you have to do to cut back on your heating expenses. We’re simply talking about minimizing the heat that runs when it’s not needed while everyone is at work or school.
Sure, leaving it a degree or two lower all the time will save you money, but if you’ll just remember to drop it a few degrees when you leave in the morning, you’ll still see some nice savings. A programmable thermostat can keep you from forgetting and also let the house start warming up before everybody gets home.
Upgrade Your System
No matter what you do to help an old HVAC system, you may not be able to improve your energy bills very much. That’s when it’s time to look into HVAC services to do an upgrade.
Old systems are inefficient and unreliable. Parts may be difficult or impossible to find. At this point, it’s time to make an investment in a new system. You will quickly find that your home will be warmer, reaching the desired temperature more quickly and more reliably. You will also see better performance on the utility bill.
If the time has come to replace or upgrade your HVAC system, or if you just want to have a thorough inspection done, we can help. Precision Air is qualified and experienced with all types of heating and cooling systems. We can help you get your system ready for winter while keeping your checkbook happy.
Infographic provided by Blue Dot, a Maryland heating repair company
