Tips to Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Winter
With winter on the way, you might be considering your energy bills with trepidation. The cold months often bring an uptick in electricity or natural gas costs, depending on what fuel source you use to heat your home and hot water. But don’t fret—with the right approach, you can control your winter energy efficiency and save some serious cash. Here’s how to adjust your climate control system to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.
Book Fall Furnace Maintenance
Your HVAC system is like a car—it runs better when well-maintained. Scheduling annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives improves your system’s performance and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. In addition to helping your HVAC equipment operate more efficiently, this regular check can reveal any potential issues. Catching and addressing these concerns early prevents unexpected failures and more costly repair bills mid-season.
Replace Your Aging Furnace
If your furnace is more than 10 years old and experiencing malfunctions, it may be time for furnace replacement. Outdated systems can be a significant hit to your wallet, costing you more in energy and repairs than the cost of replacement in the long run. Replacing your furnace with a high-efficiency Energy Star®-certified model can reduce your utility bills by as much as 40%. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more consistently relaxing indoor environment when your heating equipment meets today’s standards.
Fine-Tune Your Thermostat
Remember those hot summer days when you programmed your thermostat to 78 degrees to save on costs? Well, that setting won’t help you in the winter. Modify your thermostat for the season by configuring it to 70 degrees or less. Every degree you decrease the temperature can save you upward of 3% on your heating expenses.
Moreover, invest in a smart programmable thermostat you can set and forget. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices permit you to adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere. The most advanced learning models make automatic adjustments taking into account your behaviors, helping you be cozy while saving power when you’re away or sleeping.
Replace the Air Filter
A furnace air filter influences how efficiently your HVAC system functions. A dirty, blocked filter forces your furnace and air conditioner to work harder to circulate air, raising energy consumption. To avoid this situation, check the filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months as a budget-friendly and easy way to improve winter energy efficiency.
Check Your Air Registers
The little details matter. Quickly dusting your supply and return registers cleans out hair, dirt and other barriers that restrict airflow. Once clean, make sure your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t obstructing the vents. Ensuring clear passage for warm air to circulate makes a substantial improvement in your home’s comfort and energy usage this winter.
Seal Leaks to Prevent Drafts in Your Home
Even minor drafts can put excessive strain on your heating and cooling system. Conduct a sweep of your home to locate 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 halt costly air leaks in their tracks.
Increase Insulation in Your Home
The attic is the most convenient place to add insulation to an existing home. Extra insulation on the attic floor means reduced heat loss through the ceiling, making it easier for your heating and cooling system to maintain a comfortable temperature. But insulation isn’t solely for your attic—you can also insulate pipes, ductwork and electrical outlets on exterior walls to enhance energy savings.
Think About Zoning
If your home has several floors or wings, you might find advantages from using a zoned HVAC system. This involves installing dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that enable you to independently control the temperature in various zones of your home. You could heat the ground floor during the day and the upstairs bedrooms at night, conserving energy by only paying to heat specific areas of your home when you need them.
Choose a Humidifier
Winter air is typically extremely dry. You may tackle this with tabletop humidifiers throughout your living space, but there’s a superior way. Use a whole-house humidifier to work alongside your heating system. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier encourages a more comfortable interior without raising the thermostat.
Work with McKinley Heating Service Experts for Winter Prep in Edmonton
If you’re looking to enhance your home’s winter energy efficiency in Edmonton, McKinley Heating Service Experts is ready to support. Our certified technicians offer prompt, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort challenges, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you’re not completely satisfied with our work, you can trust us to make it right. Call 780-800-7092 today so the team at McKinley Heating Service Experts can make a substantial difference in your life and sense of comfort in the colder season.
