Keeping your Maitland, Florida, home warm in the winter can mean a substantial increase in your energy bills. However, taking some simple, inexpensive actions can help you save on heating costs without compromising on comfort. These could include steps like proper maintenance, upgrading your thermostat and system, using ceiling fans and solar heating, beefing up insulation, fixing air leaks, and wearing warm clothes.
Maintain Your System
Proper maintenance prolongs the life of your HVAC system and keeps it working at optimal efficiency. Clean your system regularly and replace the air filter. A clogged filter obstructs the air flow and makes your system work harder. Usually, you should replace it every month or two. Give your system a professional tune-up at least once a year. It will minimize friction, eliminate the malfunctioning of components, and make your system operate in a smooth manner. It’s also important to see that the air vents are not blocked by furniture, curtains, and other objects in your home.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat helps you set several temperatures for different times of the day. You can set lower temperatures for times you are asleep and higher for times when you are awake. Setting your thermostat lower by even a couple of degrees in winter can make a huge difference on your HVAC bills. If there are rooms that often remain unoccupied, consider adding a zoning system. That way, you can heat only the rooms that you use.
Upgrade to a Higher SEER-rated System
If you are still using a system that you installed 10 to 15 years back, chances are that a more efficient system is available on the market. Upgrading to an HVAC system with a higher SEER rating will help you save even more on heating costs.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fan Direction
The warmer air in your room becomes lighter and moves towards the ceiling. You can bring this air down by running ceiling fans at slower speeds and in a clockwise direction. Check for the button to reverse the direction of your ceiling fan. If your fan has a remote control, you should be able to change the rotation using the remote.
Let the Sun In
Take advantage of the free heat you get from the sun. Open the curtains on sun-facing windows to let the sunlight in. After the sun goes down, close the curtains again to prevent the heat from escaping.
Beef Up Insulation
Insulation prevents loss of heat in the system. Make sure the ducts in your home are properly wrapped with an insulating material. Check your crawlspace and any other areas that might be leaking heat and beef up your attic insulation. Take measures to protect your home’s exterior from snow and icicle formation.
Fix Those Drafty Doors and Windows
Treated air is costly. Don’t let it escape through cracks and gaps around doors and windows. Plumbing penetrations and utility cut-throughs are other places to check. HVAC professionals use air leak detectors to locate air leakage in your home. Apply caulking or weatherstripping to seal the leaks around doors and windows. You can add a plastic sheet to the interior side of drafty window frames. Limit the use of exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, since those force the hot air out of your home.
Wear Warm Clothes
Put on your winter clothes to stay warm naturally. This way, you’ll be able to set the thermostat a few degrees lower. Dress in multiple layers; for example, you could wear thermal innerwear, a full-sleeve shirt, and a woolen sweater or a jacket. A pair of socks and slippers would keep your feet warm.
Similarly, try adding warm accessories around your home. You could use rugs to keep the floor warm, put warm blankets on the sofa, and cover your bed with a flannel sheet.
At E.C. Waters Air Conditioning & Heat, we take delight in keeping our customers warm and comfortable in the harsh winters of Maitland, Florida, and surrounding areas. Our team of NATE-certified HVAC experts can help you get the best from your system. Call us anytime at (407) 603-9144 to make an appointment.
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