As we head into the holidays, we’re likely going to be busy preparing, shopping and engaging in fun activities. Before it gets too hectic, consider doing a quick check of your HVAC system to make sure you’ll be able to enjoy comfort in the most energy-efficient way possible.
In particular, you’ll want to make sure your maintenance schedule is up to date so you’re not hit with any big breaks that require unexpected costs. You’ll also want to look for any fixes that need to be made, such as leaks, so you don’t waste energy.
No one wants to be in the middle of a holiday gathering or winter chill and realize their HVAC system is not working properly. This means costly repairs and surprisingly high bills come the new year.
By putting in a bit of effort now to make sure everything is functioning and looking as it should, you can save yourself a lot of worries and money.
Here are our top 10 HVAC energy saving tips for winter:
1. Have Your HVAC System Inspected
You should service your HVAC system yearly to make sure it’s working properly. If you can, schedule your appointment well before your holiday parties, events, and gatherings. Fall is the perfect time to prepare for winter’s demands.
2. Replace Your Old Heating System
Ancient heating systems are huge energy drains. With the help of a certified contractor, evaluate your system for energy use and functionality. While it’s not always fun to part with money for system upgrades, in the end, your bank account and comfort will thank you. Systems that are more than 10 years old can likely be replaced with new high-efficiency models to reduce energy bills by up to 40 percent.
3. Insulate Your Attic
Insulating your attic is one of the easiest ways to ensure your HVAC system is operating optimally. You can lighten your system’s load by keeping warm air in your home and preventing it from escaping outside. This helps your HVAC system do less to control temperature, which saves energy.
4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Cutting down on energy costs during winter is easier when you can precisely control your indoor air temperature. A programmable thermostat is a great way to do this. You can program and teach smart thermostats to keep a certain air temperature when your family is away and home, and turn it off when you’re not in a particular room or part of the house.
5. Upgrade Your Heating and Cooling at the Same time
You might not be thinking of cooling your home right now, but if you’re considering upgrading your heating system, you can save money and energy by purchasing new heating and cooling solutions at the same time.
6. Clean or Replace Your Air Filters
If your HVAC filters are dirty, they will restrict airflow and reduce the energy efficiency of your entire system. Fall is the perfect time to clean or replace your air filters. This should actually be done every 1 to 3 months.
7. Unblock All Registers and Vents
Make sure all of your registers and vents are clean and clear of furniture, rugs, and draperies.
8. Reprogram Your Thermostat
Consider whether or not you can be comfortable in indoor air that is not quite as warm as you usually have it. You might be able to save yourself tons of money and energy by adjusting your settings.
9. Check Your Home for Drafts
Inspect every room in your home for cracks and places where cold air can come in.
10. Make Energy Education a Priority
Stay on top of the energy efficiency in your home by committing to ongoing education on HVAC maintenance and repair procedures.
