Winter Energy Efficiency Tips for Your HVAC System
With winter on the way, you could be considering your energy bills with a sense of unease. The chilly months often bring an increase in electricity or natural gas costs, depending on what fuel source you use to heat your home and hot water. But don’t worry—with an appropriate approach, you can control your winter energy efficiency and save a pile of cash. Here’s how to adjust your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable without draining your finances.
Arrange Fall Furnace Maintenance
Your climate control system is like a car—it functions better when well-maintained. Arranging annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives enhances your system’s operation and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. In addition to helping your HVAC equipment run more efficiently, this routine check can detect any potential issues. Identifying and fixing these issues early prevents inconvenient breakdowns and more costly repair bills mid-season.
Replace Your Aging Furnace
If your furnace is more than 10 years old and experiencing malfunctions, it could be the right time for furnace replacement. Outdated systems can be a significant hit to your wallet, costing you more in energy and repairs than what you would save by replacing them. Replacing your furnace with a high-efficiency Energy Star®-certified model can reduce your energy costs by as much as 40%. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more consistently cozy indoor environment when your heating system furnace meets today’s standards.
Fine-Tune Your Thermostat
Remember those hot summer days when you adjusted the thermostat to 78 degrees to save on costs? Well, that setting won’t do you any favors in colder months. Adjust your thermostat for the season by adjusting it to 70 degrees or a lower temperature. Every degree you lower the temperature can save you as much as 3% on your heating bill.
Moreover, opt for a smart programmable thermostat you can set and leave alone. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices allow you to control your home’s temperature from anywhere. The most advanced learning models make automatic adjustments based on your habits, helping you be cozy while saving energy when you’re away or sleeping.
Change the Air Filter
The furnace air filter impacts how efficiently your HVAC system operates. A dirty, clogged filter forces your furnace and air conditioner to work harder to circulate air, escalating energy consumption. To prevent this from happening, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as a budget-friendly and straightforward way to improve winter energy efficiency.
Evaluate Your Air Registers
The little details count. Quickly dusting your supply and return registers removes hair, dirt and other obstructions that hinder airflow. Once clean, ensure your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t obstructing the vents. Ensuring clear passage for warm air to circulate makes a significant impact in your home’s comfort and energy usage this winter.
Eliminate Drafts in Your Home
Even minor drafts can put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Conduct a sweep of your home to identify and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to discover on chilly, windy days that suck the heat out through gaps and cracks. Apply weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows, and apply spray foam around plumbing, vents and wiring penetrations to prevent costly air leaks right away.
Boost Insulation in Your Home
The attic is the most convenient place to add insulation to your home. Additional insulation on the attic floor means decreased heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your home heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature. But insulation isn’t only for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to boost energy efficiency.
Think About Zoning
If your home has more than one story or wings, you might find advantages from using a zoned HVAC system. This involves installing dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that allow you to independently control the temperature in different areas of your home. You might heat the ground floor during the day and the upstairs bedrooms at night, which allows you to use less energy by only paying to heat select parts of your home when you need them.
Choose a Humidifier
Winter air is infamously dry. You could tackle this with portable humidifiers throughout your living space, but there’s a more effective way. Install a whole-house humidifier to work in tandem with your HVAC. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier promotes a more comfortable interior without raising the thermostat.
Partner with Rob's Albertan Service Experts for Winter Prep in Edmonton
If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s winter energy efficiency in Edmonton, Rob's Albertan Service Experts is here to assist. Our certified technicians offer prompt, reliable solutions to all your comfort concerns, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you’re not completely satisfied with our service, you can trust us to make it right. Call 780-800-9047 today so the team at Rob's Albertan Service Experts can make a significant difference in your life and sense of comfort in the colder season.
