Tips to Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Winter

With winter on the way, you may be eyeing your energy bills with a sense of unease. The chilly 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 an appropriate approach, you can manage your winter energy efficiency and save a significant amount of cash. Here’s how to fine-tune your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to keep your home pleasant without draining your finances.

Schedule Fall Furnace Maintenance

Your heating and cooling system is like a car—it runs more efficiently when well-maintained. Booking annual preventative maintenance before winter arrives enhances your system’s performance and can save you up to 5% on energy costs. Beyond helping your HVAC equipment function more efficiently, this scheduled check can detect any hidden issues. Identifying and repairing these issues early prevents disruptions during the heating season and more costly repair bills mid-season.

Replace Your Aging Furnace

If your furnace is more than 10 years old and experiencing malfunctions, it might be time for furnace replacement. Old systems can be a substantial drain on your finances, costing you more in energy and repairs than they’re worth. Replacing your furnace with a high-efficiency Energy Star®-certified unit can lower your power expenses by as much as 40%. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more consistently comfortable 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 the chilly winter season. Make the most of your thermostat for the season by configuring it to 70 degrees or  a lower temperature. Every degree you lower the temperature can save you up to 3% on your energy costs.

Even better, invest in a smart programmable thermostat you can set and leave alone. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices enable you to modify your home’s temperature remotely. The most advanced learning models make automatic adjustments according to your routines, helping you stay comfortable while saving energy when you’re away or sleeping.

Change the Air Filter

Your furnace air filter influences how efficiently your HVAC system runs. A dirty, obstructed filter forces a heating and cooling system 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 an inexpensive and straightforward way to improve winter energy efficiency.

Check Your Air Registers

The little details make a difference. Rapidly dusting your supply and return registers eliminates hair, dirt and other blockages that impede airflow. Once clean, be certain that your curtains, rugs and furniture aren’t blocking 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 HVAC system. Perform a sweep of your home to locate and seal any air leaks. These are easiest to detect on chilly, windy days that suck the heat out through gaps and cracks. Place weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows, and apply spray foam around plumbing, vents and wiring penetrations to stop costly air leaks in their tracks.

Add More Insulation in Your Home

The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to an existing home. Additional insulation on the attic floor means reduced 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 savings.

Consider Zoning

If your home has multiple levels or wings, you could benefit from setting up a zoned HVAC system. This involves installing dampers in the ductwork and installing multiple thermostats that enable you to independently control the temperature in distinct sections 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 select parts of your home when you need them.

Opt for a Humidifier

Winter air is notoriously dry. You could tackle this with multiple humidifiers throughout your home, but there’s a more effective way. Install a whole-house humidifier to work alongside your heating system. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so a whole-house humidifier enhances a warmer interior without raising the thermostat.

Partner with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Winter Prep in Fort Lauderdale

If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s winter energy efficiency in Fort Lauderdale, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to assist. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, reliable 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 954-736-4314 today so the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can make a substantial difference in your life and sense of comfort this winter.