Winter weather has us turning the thermostat up and finding ways to stay warm inside our homes. Sometimes this means higher utility costs to ward off the cold, but it doesn’t have to. There are a number of things you can do. These are both on your own and with the help of a professional to keep your heating costs in check this winter without suffering through the cold months.
1. Close Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are easy places for heat to escape your home and cold air to come inside. Be sure to keep all windows shut and locked while heating your home in the winter to keep cold breezes out. Even one open window can lower the effectiveness of your furnace by several degrees, causing an increase in your heating bill. With doors, limit trips in and out of the house. If you have windows and doors that are especially drafty, seal them with plastic or even a blanket to keep the cold air out.
2. Use Window Coverings
Window coverings such as curtains and blinds help protect from cold on winter nights by adding a layer of protection between the cold glass and your room. Keep window coverings closed at night and when the wind is howling on that side of the house. During the day when the sun shines down, open the curtains and blinds to allow the sun to heat your home a bit. This will give your furnace a little less of a workload.
3. Bundle Up
One of the simplest ways to keep your thermostat lower on cold days is to dress in layers. Put on long pants, thermal underpants, or sweaters when the outside temperature drops to extreme lows. Grab a blanket to snuggle under while relaxing on the sofa. Wrap up in an extra comforter when you sleep at night. These bundling measures help you lower the temperature on the thermostat so you aren’t paying quite so much on your next utility bill.
4. Turn the Ceiling Fans
Your ceiling fan likely has a switch that allows you to change the direction the blades move. Ceiling fans in a clockwise direction help circulate air and move it around the room without creating a cool breeze. This motion creates an updraft, which eliminates the breeze blowing down on you. The updraft pushes the warm air that has settled in at the top of your room (remember, heat rises). This mixes it with the cooler air down below to help regulate temperatures and eliminate cold, drafty rooms.
5. Clean Air Filters
Air filters in your furnace trap dust and debris and block it from entering your heating system. Dirty filters can hinder airflow, causing your system to work harder when forcing hot air through the ducts. Change your filters often, usually every one to three months to keep them from adding stress to your heating system.
6. Schedule Annual Maintenance
Annual maintenance helps keep your heating system running optimally and efficiently through the winter, leading to lower utility costs. During annual maintenance, our technicians inspect your system to find trouble spots that could cause a malfunction or add to the workload of the furnace. We also lubricate moving parts to prevent damage from friction, clean the inside of the furnace to remove dust and debris, and assess for proper function.
7. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to set the device to change temperatures based on your habits. Programmable thermostats are great for limiting heat when no one is home. This will bring the house back to a comfortable temperature just before you arrive back so you aren’t miserable when you walk through the door. You can program your thermostat in a variety of ways to help lower heating costs when higher temperatures aren’t necessary while keeping the house comfortable when they are.
8. Consider Zoned Heating
Zoned heating allows you to control separate areas of your house through different thermostats. A zoned system utilizes dampers within the ductwork that correspond to the thermostat for that particular section of the house. For example, many people prefer a colder environment while sleeping. You can set a lower temperature in your bedroom without making others in the home suffer. Additionally, areas that are harder to heat may benefit from zoned heating. This is so you can use a little more heat in those areas without raising the temperature beyond a comfortable level in other rooms.
9. Have Your Ductwork Cleaned and Sealed
Blocked or leaking ductwork can cause a big problem for your furnace. When debris builds up inside the ducts, it can obstruct hot air and prevent it from traveling to the vents. This leads to uneven and insufficient heating, causing your furnace to work harder to try and make up for the difference. Additionally, ductwork with holes and gaps lets hot air escape before it can reach the vents. This causes a lack of heat where you need it, and your furnace will run longer to try and compensate. If you are struggling with airflow problems or decreased efficiency, have your ductwork checked out by a professional.
10. Replace Your Old Furnace
After a decade or so, your furnace may not function as well as it once did. Even with repairs and maintenance, you might not get the best efficiency from your old furnace anymore. If your heating system just isn’t up to the same levels of efficiency as it once was and is more than 10 years old, it may be time to upgrade. Our technicians help you find the best replacement unit for your home and install it carefully and precisely to help you regain control of your winter heating costs.
11. Switch to a Heat Pump
Heat pumps offer eco-friendly heating and cooling by pulling air from the ground to help you maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. Heat pumps pull cool air out of your house in the winter, replacing it with heat from below ground and heat that is created as your pump operates. This type of heater is more efficient than a traditional furnace and can help you save a small bundle on heating throughout the winter.
Hire the Experts for Professional HVAC Services
Our experts have been providing skilled, knowledgeable heating and cooling services in the Jacksonville area for more than five decades, helping our customers maintain home comfort. Count on us for expert heating and cooling installation, repair, and heating maintenance services. We offer ductless heating and cooling as well as heat pumps for more efficient ways of maintaining an ideal temperature. We also provide zoned heating and cooling, ductwork services, and indoor air quality equipment and service. Beyond heating and cooling, we have a team of skilled plumbers who offer drain and pipe repairs, bathroom and kitchen plumbing, and water heater services.
Save money this winter when you utilize these practical tips for lowering your energy costs. For professional HVAC service in the Jacksonville area, call the experts at J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing today.
