As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, many people start to worry about the cost of heating their homes. In fact, during the winter your heating system accounts for about 29% of your utility costs. The good news is there are a lot of really easy ways you and your family can help lower that bill.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Installing a smart, programmable thermostat is a low-cost way to improve energy efficiency. This type of thermostat allows you to set the temperature in your home to automatically adjust throughout the day. For example, you can set the thermostat to turn down the heat when you are away at work or at night when you are sleeping. This will help to save energy and money on your heat bills.

Change Air Filters

It’s recommended that homeowners change their HVAC system’s air filters once a month. Dirty air filters can block proper air flow, causing your HVAC system to work harder to reach your desired temperature. Clean air filters can help improve the indoor air quality in your home. When your heating system is running, it circulates the air inside your home, and if the air filters are dirty, they can spread pollutants and allergens throughout your home. By keeping your air filters clean, you can help reduce the amount of pollutants and allergens in your indoor air, which can be especially important for people with allergies or respiratory issues. The more your system runs, the more it will cost on your heat bill. A clean air filter will help your heating system run more efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills.

Make sure Returns Are Clear

When arranging furniture or decorating any room in your house, be sure to work around your home’s HVAC system. If furniture, carpet or drapes block proper air flow to your warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators. Making sure your system has adequate space, will make sure your HVAC system is working as efficiently as possible. 

Cover Your Windows

Covering your windows can help to lower your heating bills by reducing the amount of heat that is lost through the windows. Windows are one of the top offenders when it comes to messing up the temperature control of your home. During the winter, let the sunshine in by keeping curtains, drapes and shades open on your south-facing windows. Close your window coverings at night to keep the chill from creeping in. This can reduce the amount of time that your heating system needs to run in order to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can save you money on your energy bills.

Check your Insulation

One of the easiest ways to save money on your heat bills is to make sure your home is properly insulated. This will help to keep the heat inside your home, instead of letting it escape through the walls, floors, and ceiling. You can check the insulation levels in your home by looking in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Proper attic insulation is important for a few reasons. First, it can help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by providing a barrier between the inside of your home and the outside temperature. This can reduce the amount of time that your heating and cooling systems need to run, which can save you money on your energy bills. Second, proper attic insulation can help to reduce noise from outside, making your home more peaceful and quiet. Finally, proper attic insulation can help to prevent moisture and condensation, which can damage your home and create a breeding ground for mold and other pollutants.

HVAC System Maintenance 

No matter what kind of heating system you use to keep your home comfortable, make sure that it is properly maintained by a professional. HVAC experts recommend getting your system serviced twice a year. Once before the hot summer months and again before temperatures drop in the fall. Regular maintenance will help to extend the life of your heating system and can prevent costly repairs in the future. 

Plan an Energy-Efficient HVAC Upgrade

Every HVAC system has a lifespan. Most need to be replaced every 12 years or so. You can save money heating your home by making sure your replacement system is ENERGY STAR approved. There are many different types of HVAC systems, but there’s a good rule of thumb to follow. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system will run and the lower your electric bill should be. 

Call a Professional

Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric can help with many of these energy saving methods, especially if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system or need system maintenance. Schedule online or call 479-202-8961 to set up service.