Summer and winter, you rely on your home heating and cooling system to keep you and your family and pets comfortable and safe. And yet, as those heating and cooling bills keep coming in, like many homeowners, you may be wondering if there?s anything you can do lower your energy costs. Fortunately, the answer is yes, there are some steps you can take to reduce your heating and cooling bills. And these are applicable to different types of heating systems, so you can get started right away.
Improving the efficacy of your heating system
To begin with, if your home heating and cooling system is over 10 years old, switching to a newer, more energy efficient model can help. The new high-efficiency furnaces are very fuel and cost efficient, and use half the fuel needed by older ones. This can translate to a 25% saving on your annual home heating costs. Proper installation is important, as this ensures the system will run at maximum efficiency. An improperly installed HVAC system can lose up to 30% of its efficiency.
Annual maintenance of your home heating system likewise keeps it running smoothly. This will also catch any problems before any problems occur. Having your furnace break down in the middle of a cold winter and needing emergency hvac repairs is no fun at all. Duct leakage is responsible for the loss of up to 40% of the heated or cooled air. Regular inspections twice a year will help to catch and fix the problem.
Allow free circulation of air within the home
Free circulation of heated air throughout the house helps to keep it at an even temperature. Air vents should not be blocked in rooms that are used frequently, either intentionally or unintentionally. Carpets and furniture should be kept clear of air vents. This is true of all types of heating systems.
Even though it seems counterintuitive, using ceiling fans also helps to distribute the warmed air evenly. Be sure to set the direction of the airflow in a clockwise direction, as this helps push the warm air downwards from the ceiling where it tends to collect. In the summer, the direction of the ceiling fan?s rotation should be changed to counterclockwise.
Insulate and block drafts
A surprising amount of heated air escapes through cracks and crevices, while drafts let in the cold air. Using insulated curtains and draft blockers can help keep the space warmer. For more ambitious projects, consider insulating your attic and basement spaces.
The best thing about insulation is that even a small change will make a noticeable difference to the comfort level in any room. This will also be reflected in your heating bill, so be prepared for a pleasant surprise in the next billing cycle.
If your goal is energy savings, these steps will help you. Even though there are many different types of heating systems, you can use these no matter what system you have. You?ll find that your home feels warmer and more comfortable, and you?ll have a pleasant surprise when you get the next energy bill.