As the holiday season approaches, you may be getting a little anxious about your home heating bills. Keeping your New Jersey home warm without overspending on heating costs during the frigid winter months can be a challenge. However, with a few simple tips and tricks you can implement yourself and professional services from an experienced HVAC technician, you can lower your heating costs while staying comfortable all season.
Check Your Doors and Windows for Air Leaks
It’s essential to inspect your doors and windows for air leaks before the holiday season. Even small gaps can let warm air escape and cold air seep in, forcing your heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Start by checking for visible gaps or cracks, especially around the frames. You can also perform a simple test by holding a lit candle or incense stick near the edges of your windows and doors. If the flame flickers or the smoke moves, it signals air leakage.
To seal these leaks, you can apply weatherstripping or caulk around windows. Consider using draft stoppers for doors to prevent cold air from entering under them.
Bundle Up
This holiday season, consider adding a few extra layers while relaxing at home to stay warm without turning up the heat. Cozy up with your loved ones under a soft fleece blanket while lounging on the couch. At bedtime, use flannel sheets or extra blankets to stay warm, allowing you to lower your thermostat to a more energy-efficient setting overnight.
Turn on the Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans aren’t just for creating a cool breeze in the summer; they can also help improve warmth during the winter. When you start using your heating system, it’s a good idea to adjust your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise. This direction creates an updraft that pushes warm air along the ceiling and down to the floor. By circulating the warm air and mixing it with the cooler air near the floor, the fan helps maintain a more even temperature. This practice goes a long way in keeping your space warmer without having to turn up the thermostat.
Use Your Window Coverings
The sun can still be your friend during the blustery winter season. Open your curtains and blinds on sunny days, letting the sunlight shine through and warm your space. In most homes, this is most effective in the afternoon when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
Conversely, remember to pull the window coverings closed at night and on dreary days. Your curtains or drapes will block the cold from seeping through the glass and cooling your home.
Change Air Filters
Your HVAC filter protects your heating system by preventing dirt and debris from entering and causing damage to its internal components. It also plays a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality by capturing airborne contaminants that would overwise recirculate through your living spaces. However, they restrict airflow to your heating system when they become clogged. Restricted airflow can cause your heater to struggle to keep your home comfortable, resulting in higher heating costs.
Experts recommend changing your filter at least every three months. However, you may need to change yours more often based on factors like how many people live in your home or if you have pets. Your filter may also get dirtier faster during the holidays because of increased activities like cooking and having guests over. Many homeowners inspect their filters once a month to ensure they know when they need to be changed out.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures throughout the day based on your schedule. This means you can program it to lower the temperature when you leave for work in the morning and automatically return to a more comfortable setting by the time you get home. With a programmable thermostat, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to adjust the temperature, which can lead to unnecessary heating when no one is home. This simple upgrade ensures your home stays comfortable while helping you save on energy costs.
Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned
Professional air duct cleaning involves using compressed air and powerful vacuums to remove dust, debris, and other buildup from your ductwork. Clean ducts ensure that heated air can flow freely through your home without obstruction, which can improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. By reducing air resistance in the ducts, your system can operate more effectively, helping to maintain consistent temperatures and lower energy costs.
Repair and Replace Ductwork
Faulty air ducts are a major contributor to rising energy costs, particularly in the winter. Aging ducts with corrosion or small holes allow hot air to escape before it reaches your vents, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Over time, ducts can also sag or develop gaps. These gaps and sags cause uneven heating, making it harder to maintain a consistent temperature and driving up your energy bills. A professional technician can inspect your ductwork for signs of damage, seal small leaks, and repair gaps. If parts of your ductwork are too damaged, they will recommend replacing some sections to improve airflow and system efficiency.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance
Annual furnace maintenance is a crucial service that ensures your system operates efficiently and reliably. During a maintenance visit, technicians thoroughly inspect, clean, and tune your furnace. They also check for signs of wear and tear that could reduce its efficiency or lead to breakdowns. Regular cleaning and adjustments help prevent damage, keeping your furnace running smoothly. In addition to improving energy efficiency, annual maintenance extends the lifespan of your furnace, reduces the likelihood of unexpected repairs, and enhances indoor air quality by keeping the system clean.
Upgrade Your Furnace
Aging heating systems lose efficiency over time as the parts and components become worn and damaged. Although many of these parts are replaceable, there comes a time when upgrading is more feasible than repairs. HVAC technicians can help you decide when the time is right for a new furnace by assessing your system carefully. They provide options for your replacement, ensuring the new furnace fits your home for efficient heating without non-stop operation or short cycling. A technician can also help you weigh the upfront cost of a high-efficiency system against potential long-term savings on energy bills.
Hire the Pros at Sam's Air Control
At Sam's Air Control, we are a family-owned business that has been serving the residents of Edison, NJ and the surrounding areas since 2014. We install, repair, and maintain heating systems and cooling equipment. Additionally, we can help with all your ductwork and indoor air quality needs. We would also like to invite you to join our maintenance club. Members receive two tune-ups a year and enjoy perks like a 15% discount on all repairs and priority service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
