Who doesn’t love snow flurries and nights by the fire, right? The shorter days, cooler nights, and countless festivities all make this time of year an extraordinary season. But with the colder temperatures, it has never been more important to have efficient heating and energy use.
Embracing energy efficiency not only reduces your environmental footprint by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, but it can also lead to significant savings on those infamous energy bills. Let's explore some practical ways to stay warm this season while helping out the planet and your wallet!
Preparing Your Home for Cold Weather
Checking certain parts of your home can determine whether or not it will efficiently maintain heat. You can ensure that warm air is not escaping from your home by checking for drafts around windows and doors and examining the insulation in your attic and walls.
Other simple checks that can help you identify areas for improvement in energy saving include replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs and unplugging unused appliances.
Tips for Heating Efficiently
The way that you go about heating your home can also affect its efficiency and cost. Set your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature, ideally around 68-70°F when you’re home and lower when you’re away or sleeping. This practice can significantly reduce energy consumption.
If you don’t want to risk forgetting to change the temperature, programmable thermostats are a great way to regulate your home’s temperatures.
Another way to save energy is to look into zone control heating. Rather than heating your entire home, this form of heating utilizes a system to heat the rooms you use the most, preventing excess strain and usage of your heating system.
HVAC Tips for an Energy-Efficient Winter
Your HVAC system is the central part of efficient heating. Problems resulting in heat loss or excess cost can occur if it is not functioning properly. To prepare your heating system for efficient operation this year, schedule a professional tune-up to address any potential issues before the colder months arrive. Additionally, check your ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps to prevent heated air from escaping, ensuring that your home stays warm and comfortable.
Regular HVAC maintenance sets it up for optimal performance and can extend the lifespan of your system. Make it a habit to change your heating system filters every one to three months. Clean filters improve airflow and enhance efficiency. Finally, inspect vents to ensure they aren’t blocked by furniture or other objects, allowing proper circulation throughout your home.
Additional Home Energy Efficiency Tips
To further enhance your home’s energy efficiency this year, choose Energy Star-rated appliances. These appliances consume less energy while maintaining high-quality performance and thus significantly lower your utility bills.
Proper insulation is also essential, so ensure that any drafts, gaps, and cracks you find in your insulation get sealed with weatherstripping or spray foam. Maintaining insulation will keep your home warm in the cooler months and contribute to keeping it cool in the summer.
Another valuable tip is to utilize natural light by opening curtains during the day, reducing your reliance on artificial lighting. You can additionally monitor energy usage and control lighting and heating remotely by implementing smart home technologies.
Lastly, lower your water heater thermostat to 120°F and insulate the tank while installing low-flow fixtures to reduce your hot water consumption.
Conclusion
As the colder months start to settle in, you can prioritize energy efficiency in your home to encourage comfort and savings. By following the practical tips we have outlined, you can significantly reduce the energy you consume without compromising a comfortable environment for yourself and your family. Implementing little changes and care to your home’s system and daily routine will further enhance your efforts. Embracing these strategies will not only allow you to enjoy a warm and inviting home, but will also contribute to a happier and healthier planet and wallet.
Commercial Service Is Ready To Help
At Commercial Service, we have dedicated the last 75 years to helping Indiana's residents and businesses stay comfortable and satisfied with their heating, cooling, and plumbing. With the cold quickly approaching, we’ll make sure your heating system operates efficiently and effectively.
Commercial Service is the partner you can trust with all of your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs. If you have any questions or need professional assistance implementing these tips and strategies into your home, please contact us!
