3 Ways You Can Stay Warm This Winter and Keep Your Energy Bills Low
Keeping your home comfortable through the holiday season can be stressful and costly. Older systems often need help to meet your temperature needs. Even if you have a newer furnace, it may not be in the best condition if you haven’t recently scheduled maintenance. Fortunately, you can keep your home warm in several easy ways in the coming months without breaking the bank.
1. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
It’s easy to underestimate the importance of your thermostat to your heating system. This thermostat directly communicates with your furnace, telling your furnace when to kick on and shut off. If you have an older model lacking programmable features, it may inadvertently increase your energy bills every month. Your thermostat may lose efficiency if it can no longer read your indoor temperature accurately. It could also not be able to accept new preferences and may unexpectedly default back to its factory settings.
Now is a great time to invest in an energy-efficient smart thermostat. These devices can connect to the internet, allowing you to adjust your preferences from the convenience of your smartphone. You can opt for modern features like energy usage tracking and service reminders, depending on your chosen model. Some smart thermostats can learn your daily schedule and lower HVAC use when no one’s home. Utilizing your programmable thermostat’s many scheduling functions will help you limit energy waste without sacrificing comfort. These devices are as easy to install as traditional thermostats and can provide years of savings.
2. Get an Air Duct Cleaning
Your home’s ductwork directly influences indoor air quality and temperature control. Over time, dust, hair, and other contaminants can build up inside your ducts, making it harder for warm air to travel quickly to your vents. Along with worsening your allergies, this accumulated debris can result in hot and cold spots and increased HVAC usage. The longer it takes your home to heat up, the longer your heating system has to run. This added work can steadily boost your energy consumption and utility costs.
Professional air duct cleaning can assist in alleviating your seasonal allergy symptoms and keeping your home comfortable. You should schedule this service every three to five years. You may need duct cleanings more regularly if you have family members with respiratory health concerns. This service can also be helpful after a mold outbreak or a significant home construction or remodeling. A thorough duct cleaning will remove old pollutants from your ducts, leaving them fresh and sanitized. You’ll enjoy a more efficient HVAC system, fewer home odors, and reduced dust around the home.
3. Schedule Expert HVAC Maintenance
HVAC maintenance is critical to keeping your system in peak condition. Heating systems need a tune-up at least once a year to clear out old debris, lubricate moving parts, and replace failing components before they cause system strain. Maintenance is the best way to maximize how long you have your furnace and keep your energy bills low. Months of heating use wear down your motors, belts, burners, wiring, and more. Eventually, a component will crack or break, impacting the system’s heating output and safety.
It’s essential to recognize that a faulty furnace can still kick on and warm your home. Heating system issues tend to start small and will slowly grow with time. Routine maintenance enables a trained technician to spot problems early and fix them before they spread. Forgetting to schedule care could result in more expensive repair costs that may shorten the system’s lifespan. Regular tune-ups invest in your furnace’s energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
Your Premier Home Heating Company
BELOMAN is Belleville, IL’s most trusted heating and cooling business. We’re a second-generation, family-owned HVAC company that’s served the area since 1959. Our factory-certified specialists always provide top-notch heating, cooling, and air services like maintenance, repairs, and installations. We excel at offering dependable indoor air quality solutions, duct cleanings, and plumbing services. Our team is ready to take care of all your home needs, whether you need repairs for your kitchen/bathroom fixtures or water heater service. Call today to learn more about lowering your energy costs this winter in Belleville.
