Heating bills tend to rise as the weather gets colder and drearier. Cold winter weather means that people want to be cozy and warm inside. There is nothing like curling up in a warm home while the winter weather rages outside. But maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home may sometimes seem too expensive.
Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to start improving your comfort in your home without sacrificing performance. By implementing the following habits each year, it is possible to save money on your heating bills.
Protect Your Home From Drafts
A very easy way to save money on heating bills is to make sure your home is airtight and free from drafts. Windows and doors are prone to be leaky, to let warm air out and cold are in. Exterior walls have insulation to protect the inside of the house from the cold temperatures outside.
Windows and doors have joints that can let air in, and they are thinner and less insulating than the walls around them. Windows can be weatherproofed by caulking around them to prevent drafts. Thin plastic can also be taped over drafty windows and shrunk with a hairdryer to create an airtight seal.
Kits for this can be found at most hardware stores. Doors can be weatherproofed with weatherstripping or with draft blockers that go between the door and the floor. For older homes, it may be worth it to invest in new insulation. Insulating your home can be an expensive project, but it can more than pay for itself over the years with reduced heating bills.
Maintain Your HVAC System Every Year
It is important to have an HVAC professional to perform routine maintenance on your heating system every year. They can make sure there are no leaks in the ducts or blockages. Having your heating system checked every year can keep the system running smoothly for much longer. Leaks and blockages can result in the furnace working harder than normal to heat your home.
This means higher heating bills simply because your heating system is not working at maximum efficiency. It is also very important to check air filters and replace them once they get dirty in order to maintain clean air inside your home. Filters fill up especially quickly in homes with pets or if there are dusty projects happening in your home. Once a filter is dirty, the furnace must work harder to push air through it. This results in higher heating bills and colder homes.
Save Money by Replacing Old HVAC Parts
If you want to save money, it can be tempting to put off replacing old parts in your heating system. However, not replacing these heating parts can end up being more costly in the long run. Furnaces with old parts are unable to work efficiently.
They end up wasting energy and money while working harder to try to heat your home. Leaks between duct joints or blockages end up making your home less comfortable.
Old parts can also make unpleasant squeaking or grinding noises, a sign that they need to be replaced. If you think your furnace may need new parts, consult with your local HVAC professionals to find out the best way to make your system work more efficiently to save you money.
The Plumbing & Air Service Co. is Here to Help
The Plumbing & Air Service Co. values its customer's loyalty and works to build relationships with their family-based values and professional and efficient work ethic. From air conditioning repairs to ongoing expert maintenance, their experts are dedicated to offering top-quality care in the Kerneserville, NC area.