Winterize Your Home And Save On Heating Costs
As temperatures drop and winter weather sets in, many people see their utility bills rise. However, if you take some time now to keep your home in good shape, you’ll be less likely to see higher heating bills this winter. One of the easiest ways to save money on heat this winter is by staying up-to-date on your home’s heating system and fixing any issues before they become major problems. Here are some other easy ways to save on heating costs this winter.
Close The Gaps
The first step in conserving heat is to find out where your home is leaking energy. Heat can readily escape through cracks around windows and doors when it’s cold outside. When that happens, you might as well be throwing money away! Every air leak means that your furnace or heat pump has to work harder and longer, driving up your utility costs. Small leaks may not seem like a big deal, but if they’re occurring around doors and windows, they can account for up to 30 percent of your heating bill in winter. Check along walls, floors, attics, basements, and crawl spaces for areas where warm air is escaping. Air leaks can be resolved with a variety of products commonly sold at your local hardware store. Products such as weatherstripping, caulk, expanding foam sealant, and door sweeps, are relatively easy do-it-yourself projects that won’t break the bank. When you seal your home’s air leaks, you are potentially reducing your heating costs by as much as 30%!
Don’t Forget The Ducts
In many homes, air ducts can be one of the biggest energy drains. By maintaining air ducts, homeowners can avoid high heating bills and energy costs associated with sagging ductwork and loosely patched joints. Your HVAC system can be improved by nearly 20% when your air ducts are patched and insulated properly! To determine if your air ducts need some attention, pay attention to trouble signs such as rooms that are difficult to heat, unusually high utility bills, tangled or kinked flexible ducts, and ducts that are located in an attic, crawlspace, or the garage.
If you detect any of these troubling issues in your house, your air ducts should be sealed. If you are able to safely access these ducts and want to seal the leaks yourself, the correct materials should be used. We DO NOT recommend using duct tape, as it doesn’t hold up well with temperature fluctuations. We recommend mastic sealant or metal tape. Start by checking the accessible ducts, like attics, crawlspaces, basements, or garages, which are often the most vulnerable. Check to ensure the connections to the vents and registers are sealed up tight.
If the problem persists, it’s time to call in the pros. Schedule a visit from a trusted, professional HVAC company who can come out and get your ducts and HVAC system prepared for the cold months ahead.
Take Advantage Of The Sun
It is estimated that anywhere from 10% to 25% of your home’s heating loss can be attributed to your windows alone. However, you can take advantage of the sun’s heat that passes through your windows and use it to your benefit. In order to let heat from the sun into the house, open the curtains and shades on sun-facing windows during daylight hours. Once the sun has gone down keep the curtains and blinds closed to keep the heat inside.
Sweater Weather Inside
Forgive us for stating the obvious, but wearing your warm clothes can save you money in winter. If you’re cold, your body will tell you to turn on the heat. However, if you are wearing warmer clothes such as sweaters, thermal tops and bottoms, sweat pants, and socks, you’ll stay warm without having to crank up the heater. If you’re at home wearing the same type of clothes that you would wear in the warmer months, you can expect to keep your heater working overtime when the outside temperatures drop. Donning your warmer clothes means that you’ll be more comfortable without having your heater constantly running and spiking your heating bills.
Professional HVAC Attention
Your HVAC system should be maintained at least twice a year in addition to the steps above. By having regular system checks and tune-ups, you can extend the life of your furnace and air conditioner, reduce energy costs, and minimize costly repairs.
Lancaster Brothers specializes in the repair and maintenance of furnaces and air conditioners of all brands. Our technicians can repair any furnace or air conditioner brand. If you need an affordable and efficient installation, you can count on us. We offer maintenance plans that provide discounts and convenience, so you can rest assured that your HVAC system is performing at its best. For additional information or to schedule maintenance, call us at (913) 851-3399. You can also reach out to us via our website. We have been providing heating and cooling services to residents and business owners in the greater Kansas City area since 2000. We look forward to helping you keep your HVAC system performing at its best, so you can heat your home affordably this winter.