Energy-saving tips for heating systems are popular among Atlanta, GA area homeowners for many reasons. First off, no one wants to pay more for heating than they have to - the extra savings is especially welcome during the holiday season! Additionally, homeowners are increasingly conscious of the choices they make as well as how they impact our world. Saving energy around the house isn't just good for our wallets, it's good for our planet.
No matter what your motivations are, HVAC energy saving tips help your family reduce energy consumption when using your heating system. Below, find a complete list of the best tips to implement this winter!
How can I improve energy efficiency in my home?
As the leading consumer of energy in the average household, the energy efficiency of your heating system has a big impact on your home energy consumption. With proper care for your furnace or heat pump, efficiency is improved and so much more. These energy savings tips focus on care for your HVAC unit.
HVAC System Maintenance
Perhaps the best way homeowners are able to boost the efficiency of their heating systems is through preventive maintenance! A tune up for your furnace or heat pump improves the performance of your system so that it consumes less energy to do its job. This helps you lower heating costs, conserve energy, improve comfort and reduce the likelihood that your furnace will break down over the winter.
Furnace and heating system maintenance includes:
- Check and test the control of your system
- Cleaning of your furnace and other components inside your system
- Vents and air ducts are cleaned and inspected for potential leaks
- Thermostat is tested to ensure proper functioning with your HVAC unit
- Properly clean your condenser and evaporator coils after a long summer
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Inspect the condensate drain
Heating System Repairs
If your furnace or heat pump experiences performance issues, the system is likely not making efficient use of its energy. Energy saving Atlanta furnace repair service help prevent expensive breakdowns in the future, while saving you money on your monthly heating bill.
Preparing for the shift in weather is key to escaping high costs in the dead of winter on your heating and cooling system. In addition to HVAC maintenance, you can prepare for colder weather with these energy saving residential furnace repair tips:
- Clean or change the air filter to improve the efficiency of your system
- Seal leaks that might be in your air ducts or vents to prevent warm air from escaping and increasing your heating/energy bill
- Check your caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows
- Install a programmable thermostat to get the most out of your furnace this season
Retrofitting replaces certain system components to boost overall HVAC system efficiency, saving you as much as 35 percent on annual energy costs. Retrofits cost less than total HVAC unit replacement but still offer a powerful impact on energy conservation.
Duct Sealing
As much as 30 percent of your home's heating and cooling energy is lost through leaky ducts! Any air that is pumped through your HVAC system is able to escape through cracks or damage inside your vents and ducts. Our technicians investigate and fix any damaged ducts and seal leaks so that you start saving money and energy right away!
Filter Replacement
A clean filter is a must on the energy savings tips list! While most homeowners believe a filter's job is to remove airborne contaminants and improve air quality, it's primary purpose is to protect the system components from these contaminants and maintain good airflow. A clogged filter hinders airflow, which forces the heating system to use more energy to move air. Change your air filter according to the manufacturer's recommended frequency to avoid airflow obstructions.
Thermostat Upgrades
Smart energy savings tips for lower heating energy consumption involve installing a programmable or smart thermostat. These thermostats help you schedule heating system use based on home occupancy and implement the most efficient settings any time of day. If you use a manual thermostat at home, it's time to upgrade to more energy-efficient technology to increase energy savings.
HVAC System Upgrades
If you are in need of a new heating system, energy savings tips focus on new unit efficiency and the use of efficient technology. Choose furnaces with higher AFUE ratings and heat pumps with higher HSPF ratings. Look for ENERGY Star models that use the latest energy efficiency technology, such as variable speed compressors.
More Energy-Saving Tips for HVAC Systems
This next set of energy-saving tips focuses on home improvements and habits that help you conserve HVAC energy and use less to stay warm.
Fan Use
Set your fan to rotate clockwise during the winter months. This draws up warm air and recirculates it down to occupied spaces to keep bodies warmer with less heating. Only use fans when rooms are in use, or else it's just a waste of electricity!
Efficient Temperature Settings
Maximize efficiency with the right thermostat settings. Keep the home at 68 degrees when awake and occupied, and roll back temperatures 7 to 10 degrees when gone or asleep to increase savings.
Improve Insulation
Add insulation to attics, basements, walls, and below floors to help your home retain more of its heating energy.
Seal Your Home
Eliminate drafts that let cold air in and your warm air out. Use weatherstripping around windows and doors, caulk around door jambs and window sills as well as exterior wall penetrations and other gaps and cracks you find.
Smart Window Coverings
When warm air comes into contact with cold glass windows, warmth is lost. Just being near a window with cold air makes the body feel chilly. Keep them open when there is direct sun exposure for heat gain without energy use and keep them closed at other times to prevent heat losses.
Keep Air Flowing
Make sure your system always gets the airflow it needs to avoid energy waste. Keep your equipment free of debris, both inside and out. Make sure all vents and return air grills are open and uncovered, not blocked by rugs or furniture.
Save Money with Services from Estes
Estes Services' heating services aren't only meant for your comfort - heating repair, replacement and preventive maintenance all help your household save energy, too! Pair these saving tips with smart service when you call us today!
