You have plenty of expenses to deal with around the holidays — don’t let an exorbitant energy bill be one of them. Take a mindful approach to energy use in your Asheboro, North Carolina, home this winter to optimize efficiency. Create a greener home throughout the winter months to lower energy bills and minimize your impact on the environment. These energy-saving tips can yield big savings in the long run:
Seal and Insulate
Sealing and insulating your home properly will prevent air from escaping. If you can only add insulation in one area, make it the attic. It’s typically very easy to lay batts of insulation in this space. Adding blow-in insulation to walls where possible is beneficial, too.
Seal around windows, doors, outlets and woodwork anywhere there are visible gaps. Use weatherstripping around the bottom of the doors and windows for added protection. If you have existing weatherstripping, check for cracks and signs of damage. Replace weatherstripping regularly.
Change Your HVAC Filter
When you have a clean filter in your HVAC system, your furnace can pull air through more easily. Don’t leave your system to struggle with a clogged filter. Inspect the filter monthly for a visible buildup of dust and dirt.
Change the filter as needed or a minimum of once every three months. This will help you get the most efficiency out of your system year-round. You’ll also enjoy healthier indoor air quality when you stay on top of this task. As a result, you’ll breathe easier and sleep better at home.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance
One of the best energy-saving tips is to schedule a preventive maintenance visit for your home each fall or early winter before the heating season begins. During your visit, a maintenance service technician will thoroughly inspect your system to make sure it’s in the best possible shape. They’ll make essential adjustments to improve efficiency, such as tightening electrical connections and lubricating moving parts. This visit will also help you catch any developing issues early. That way, you can handle heating repairs before you’re left without a functioning system.
Adjust Your Thermostat Settings
If you have a programmable thermostat, you’re well-equipped to set up your home for prime energy efficiency. These thermostats are designed to let you input your settings once and walk away. However, it’s important to revisit the system’s programming when the season changes. The cooling settings that are efficient during the summer will cost you more when winter comes.
Turn your temperatures back during the winter months, keeping things slightly cooler. Turn the temperature down further when you’re out of the house during the day or asleep at night. You can compensate for the change in temperature by wearing warmer clothing and outfitting your beds with cozy features such as flannel sheets and extra blankets. As a result, you’ll conserve more energy and lower utility bills.
Humidify the Home
Moist air can hold more heat than dry air. Dry air is a common problem in the winter, leading to chapped lips, dry skin, static electricity and other annoyances. Banish these problems by installing a whole-home humidifier in your house. This system will help hold moisture in the air. In turn, it’ll allow you comfortably to keep your thermostat settings a little lower.
Rearrange the Home
Arrange your home to facilitate easy airflow throughout it. If you’ve put up Christmas decorations that disrupt airflow, your home comfort and energy efficiency may suffer. Keep things away from the supply vents so the air can flow freely into your living space. Create natural pathways for air to flow through as well, arranging your furniture to optimize efficiency.
Are you having trouble keeping your energy bills down this winter, despite your best efforts? An inexplicable increase in your energy use is a prime indicator of trouble with your HVAC system. The proper furnace repairs can help you trim your long-term costs. If you’re looking for reliable heating repairs, contact Charlie’s Heating & Cooling at (336) 629-5453 to make your appointment.
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