During winter and through the majority of spring, we all know to expect more time indoors, cozying up in our favorite PJs with the heat running. But what many of us never seem to quite fully prepare for is the hike in our energy bills.
Heating your home for months on end can put a strain on your household budget, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without. By looking for ways to improve your heater efficiency, you can get better home heating for less energy and money.
Scheduling an HVAC service in Staten Island can help optimize your entire system, so it lasts longer, runs better, and brings even greater value to your home.
Try these six tips to optimize your heating system starting today.
1. Take Care of Air Leaks
Cool air gets in and heat transfers more rapidly when you have small cracks or gaps around your windows or doors. While they may appear small, they can actually cause your home’s temperature to become unbalanced, which makes your heating system run more often.
Use caulk or weather stripping kits to seal any air leaks around your doors and windows. This insulation-boosting tip also helps your house stay cooler when you switch to cooling in the summer.
2. Use Natural Light
Allowing sunlight into your rooms offers free radiant warmth. During the day, make sure you pull back all the curtains and draw up the blinds. You’ll be able to warm your home by several degrees simply by keeping the windows uncovered.
3. Check Your Thermostat
You should keep your thermostat setting to moderate. Aim for a temperature no greater than 68° during the day. Causing your heater to run more to reach a higher temperature actually doesn’t heat the house any faster but it will impact your bills.
At night, you can adjust the thermostat by a few degrees, but you should never go past 62-65°. Cranking the thermostat to 80 or 90 only costs you more money and puts a greater strain on your system.
4. Layer Your Clothes
Bundle up indoors with cozy sweatshirts and cardigans so you don’t depend on your heater as much. In many cases, slipping on some thick, wool socks and a jacket can make you just as comfortable so that you can turn down your thermostat a bit.
5. Check Your Air Filter
If you haven’t already, make sure you check and change your air filter this season. Home comfort systems need to have their air filters cleaned and/or replaced every 30 to 90 days. If you don’t maintain your air filter, it can create a block that forces your system to work harder than necessary.
6. Schedule Maintenance or Repairs When You Need Them
Letting HVAC maintenance fall to the wayside can have costly repercussions. It’s always best to follow a routine schedule, such as an annual inspection and seasonal tune-ups during the fall and spring.
If you ever notice any signs of heating trouble, contact a professional right away. Make sure to schedule maintenance or repairs if they are needed.
To schedule a visit with one of our professionals, contact Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning today. Serving Staten Island’s Heating and A/C needs since 1955.
