Winter is on its way, and with it, an unwelcome spike in energy bills. As this winter is predicted to have more freezing temperatures than years prior, homeowners are rightfully concerned about their energy bills amidst the drop in temperatures. Energy-efficient heating is at the top of everyone’s list.
With the right approach to heating and energy management, you can keep your home warm without burning a hole in your wallet this season. In our comprehensive winter energy savings guide below, we break down multiple strategies you can take to have better energy-efficient heating this season.
Our HVAC experts can help you achieve significant savings during the colder upcoming months with the proper winter HVAC maintenance and DIY winter heating tips, all at a low cost – you won’t believe how simple #5 is.
9 Easy Winter Heating Tips for Better HVAC Efficiency in Winter
1. Commit to Regular Winter HVAC Maintenance
To get the best HVAC efficiency in winter, you want to schedule and stay on top of regular winter HVAC maintenance for your HVAC unit, furnace, and/or boiler.
Your heating system requires regular maintenance to perform efficiently, including checking components, cleaning regularly, and troubleshooting components that may not be operating smoothly. You can schedule annual HVAC maintenance checks for a low fee and perform DIY maintenance seasonally. Regular HVAC maintenance not only enhances HVAC efficiency in winter but also prolongs the lifespan of your heating system.
2. Optimize Your Home's Insulation
A crucial aspect of energy-efficient heating is proper insulation. Insulating your home effectively prevents heat from escaping around cracks, corners, or other leaky areas you may not notice. You want to ensure your heating system doesn’t have to work overtime by having warm air escape or cold air infiltrate.
When insulting, focus on areas such as the attic, walls, and windows, as these are common heat escape routes and will dramatically improve your winter energy savings. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal any noticeable leaks. Plastic window seals can also be a huge energy saver for old or drafty windows.
3. Embrace Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are an easy way to reduce heating bills when you’re not home. Smart Thermostats range from incredibly intuitive to set-it-and-forget-it; based on your home preferences, you can choose which works best for you.
The most basic smart thermostats will allow you to set a schedule for your heat – if you are away for certain hours of the day, this can automatically increase or decrease the set temperature for the house. Rotate through your morning routine, afternoon, evening, and overnight without ever having to touch the dial, improving your winter energy savings without ever having to think about it.
4. Emphasize Zoned Heating to Maximize Energy-Efficient Heating
Using a zoned heating system allows you to heat specific areas of your home rather than all of the rooms. This targeted approach is best for larger homes where certain rooms may not be in constant use. Consider closing off heating vents or adjusting room temperatures for rooms that are only used sparingly or during certain times of the day.
Zoning helps you allocate heat where it’s needed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and greatly improving winter energy savings. Paired with a home network of smart thermostats, adjusting the heat per room has never been simpler directly from your phone.
5. Utilize Energy-Efficient Curtains
Your choice of window curtains can impact the overall energy efficiency of your home during the winter. Investing in energy-efficient curtains helps insulate your windows, preventing heat loss. Look for curtains with thermal lining to create an additional barrier against the winter cold to improve winter energy savings.
Thicker curtains help stop drafts coming in from windows and push heat back out and into your room. This is simple, affordable, and can be rotated seasonally for the best energy-efficient heating year-round.
6. Take Advantage of Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating is a luxurious yet energy-efficient option for keeping your home warm. You may have floor heating in your bathroom or bedroom, or have been considering it for a while. If your home uses radiant floor heating, don’t skip on taking advantage to maximize your HVAC efficiency in winter.
This system involves heating the floor, which, in turn, radiates warmth to the entire room. While it may involve a higher upfront cost if your home is not already installed with floor heating, the energy savings and comfort it provides make it a worthy investment for long-term living.
7. Energy-Efficient Heating Comes Down to Having a High-Efficiency Heating System
The easiest solution to energy-efficient heating is investing in a high-efficiency heating system. If your current HVAC unit or furnace is outdated, upgrading your furnace or boiler to a newer, more efficient model can lead to substantial long-term savings, for this winter and next.
HVAC efficiency in winter all comes down to how well your unit can perform. Systems with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating are more efficient at converting fuel to heat. While a more costly investment upfront, this solution can save you money in the long term. Local HVAC companies can help recommend the best energy-efficient unit available in your price range.
HVAC Efficiency in Winter Can be Cost-Effective and Deliver Cozy Results
Achieving energy-efficient heating throughout the winter is not only about saving money but also contributing to a greener environment. By implementing these strategies – from upgrading your heating system to embracing smart technology and sealing air leaks – you can enjoy a cozy, warm home without the hefty price tag. Make informed choices, and let your winter be both comfortable and cost-effective.
Energy efficiency is all about maximizing the output of your heating system while minimizing energy consumption. By doing so, not only do you reduce your environmental footprint, but you also cut down on utility costs. Winter HVAC maintenance from your trusted HVAC company can help you stay comfortable year-round.
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