Winter has finally arrived. Oak Ridge, TN, homeowners are seeing their utility bills rise as outside temperatures fall. But besides bundling up in warmer clothes and using a portable heater when home, what else can you do? Keep reading to learn five simple ways to lower your heating bills this winter:
Lower Your Thermostat
Perhaps the easiest place to start cutting down on your heating costs is your thermostat setting. Lowering the target temperature by one or two degrees will slightly lower your monthly bill. The more time the temperature remains lowered, the more opportunity for savings on your statement.
Shutting your furnace off completely while the house is empty will save you even more on monthly utilities, but your home will be cold when you first return. If you have a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat, you can set it up to automatically customize the temperature settings to increase efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
Replace Your HVAC Filter
Your HVAC system uses one or more air filters to prevent contaminants from damaging the finely tuned mechanical components. Replacing your dirty, clogged HVAC filters more frequently during winter will improve airflow and keep your heater running efficiently.
A clean air filter keeps your utility bills in check while reducing wear and tear on your system. That extends the life of your HVAC components also, saving you even more money over the long run. We cannot stress enough how important it is for homeowners to replace their HVAC filters according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Tune Up Your Central Heating System
Your central heater consists of components working together to keep your home nice and cozy. But with frequent use, your heater could probably use a tune-up occasionally. Sticking to an annual HVAC maintenance schedule is one of the best ways to protect your investment.
When performing maintenance, testing your thermostat should be completed. It’s important that your heater turns on and goes to the temperature specified. Any issues found can be rectified while the service technician is at your home.
Enrolling in our Comfort Club annual preventative maintenance program is a great way to save money and keep the furnace running smoothly. We will tune up your HVAC system from top to bottom and find any issues before they worsen and cause damage. Plus, our Comfort Club members get priority customer status and a discount on HVAC repairs if the need arises.
Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
Many folks don’t realize it, but some of the doors and windows in their homes have small cracks and gaps that allow cold air to sneak in from outside. Your heater has to work much harder around the clock to keep your house warm. Sealing those air leaks with weatherstripping or caulk will keep the cold air out and lower your heating bills more.
If you can feel air coming through or light coming in, that gap is probably large enough to warrant sealing. Don’t forget to check areas of your home that are less visited, as they can have problem areas.
Insulate Your Air Ducts
Lastly, countless homes in Tennessee might have sections of ductwork exposed in the garage, attic or basement. Heat can be lost in these areas, especially if those air ducts are not protected – or the insulation is old and worn out. Ensure those heater air ducts are properly insulated to reduce heat loss and help save money on your monthly energy bills for winters to come.
If in doubt, it’s best to have a professional come to your home for an inspection. They are able to determine if insulation needs to be added or replaced.
Don’t let heating costs get out of control this winter. Follow these five money-saving HVAC tips to lower your heating bills. Contact Melton Heating and Air Conditioning today if you need furnace repairs or heater maintenance services.
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