3 Tips To Heat Your Home More Affordably This Winter
Winter's first snowfall has already reached many homes in the U.S. Of course, if you are a homeowner shouldering the cost of heating your home, you may not exactly be thrilled. You can get through the cold season without sky-high energy bills if you use some simple strategies to reduce heating costs. Here are three tips to run your heating system more affordably this winter.
1. Change Your Furnace Filter Each Month
Remember to clean or replace your furnace filter each month to reduce the strain on your heating system. A dirty furnace filter will cut off airflow to your furnace and force the blower to work harder to circulate air. This, in turn, will cause your heating system to draw more power and raise your heating costs. You may notice shorter furnace cycle times with a clean filter, which can also contribute to your home's energy savings.
2. Make Sure Your Vents Are Clear
The furnace filter isn't the only area in your heating system where obstructed airflow can become a problem. HVAC vent registers are designed to project heated air into the center of a room where it is needed most. However, they can't do this effectively if they are obstructed.
It's easy to overlook a vent register when you're rearranging furniture in your home. Do a quick check around your home at the start of the heating season to locate any blocked vent registers. This easy task will help your furnace save energy, prevent furnace overheating, and provide more consistent heating throughout your home.
3. Get a Professional Heating System Inspection
The furnace filter and vent registers are two parts of the HVAC system that homeowners can easily attend to. However, complex appliances and hidden air ducts make up the bulk of your HVAC system, so you should always rely on the services of a trained HVAC technician.
A professional heating system inspection will identify all of the potential points of energy loss throughout your heating system. Your HVAC technician can replace worn components inside your furnace and repair leaks or blockages in your ductwork. These steps will optimize your furnace to operate at its maximum energy efficiency potential.
Winter means a little more work managing your home's temperature, but the cost of keeping your home comfortable year-round should never be unmanageable. These tips will help you save on heating and keep the cold out at the same time.