Did you know that the single largest chunk of home energy use is put toward climate control? Heating and cooling your home uses a lot of energy, which means that when the bills come due, it costs a lot of money. But it’s not as though you can simply decide not to heat your home this winter! So what can you do?
We’ve got some helpful tips for you. Check out these ways to keep your home heating as efficient as possible. You’ll save money in more ways than you might expect!
Commit to Annual Maintenance
Your heating system needs regular, professional service to work efficiently. Maintenance will clean away dust that clogs airflow and grime that works its way between moving parts. It will re-lubricate various components, reducing friction. This will cut down on the strain to the system, and allow it to operate less of the time while creating just as much heat, reducing your energy costs.
Here’s where it gets even better: maintenance will reduce other costs, as well. Up to 85% of the repairs your heating system would otherwise need can be eliminated thanks to the cleaning, lubrication, inspecting, and testing that happens during maintenance. And reducing wear and tear this way will extend the life expectancy of the heating system, so you won’t have to purchase a new one as soon.
Use Your Ceiling Fans
When hot air doesn’t get moved around, it pools up around the ceiling, where you don’t get to benefit from it. Using your ceiling fans—always set to spin clockwise in the winter—can make your home so much more cozy and comfortable that you can lower your thermostat a good few degrees. This will allow your heating system to spend less time (and less of your money) running.
Consider the Sunshine
During the hot Tennessee summers, we’re accustomed to blocking out the sun when it hits our windows, to avoid a greenhouse effect. But in the winter, you want to soak up that sun! Make sure curtains or blinds are open in the places that get direct sun.
Plug the Leaks
Drafty spots are most likely to be found around window and door frames. There are many affordable solutions, like rope caulk and adhesive foam strips, which can keep the cold air out and the heat in. For the bottom of your door, if there’s a larger gap, you can get a weatherizing strip or simply use a sand-filled cloth “door snake” to block the freezing breeze.
Watch the Humidity
When the air gets very dry in the winter, it doesn’t do as good a job holding onto heat. In fact, the dryness itself can draw moisture and warmth from your body, making you feel cold even at the same temperature that would be perfectly comfortable with a bit more humidity. Ideal winter humidity in the home is generally considered to be between 30 and 55%. If your home is too dry, consider a humidifier.
Follow these tidbits of advice and you’ll be able to cut down on your heating system use, energy bills, and repair needs, and postpone the replacement of your heating system. It all starts with heating maintenance in Brentwood, TN. Schedule that now!
Covenant Heating and Cooling is your trusted resource for reliable heat pump repair in Nashville, TN. We are “Dedicated to the Promise of Serving You!” Contact us today.