The holiday season is here! While 2020 has definitely been… different… It’s still a great time to celebrate the season and ring in a fresh start to 2021.
Of course, we’re all staying a bit closer to home this year. More Americans are working remotely than ever before, and many are choosing to spend the holidays with immediate family, rather than traveling. All this means you may be running your HVAC system a bit more than normal.
These HVAC tips can help you spend less on utility bills and save energy this winter.
Service Your Furnace or Heat Pump
Scheduling a seasonal inspection of your furnace or heat pump can help you avoid costly problems before they happen. Professional HVAC technicians will:
- check your system for leaks
- perform a tune-up
- make any needed repairs
- make sure your furnace or heat pump is functioning properly
A professional service will help keep your home warm and comfortable during those chilly winter months. It’ll also help keep your energy bills down by ensuring that your system is running efficiently.
Check and Repair Ductwork
Did you know that winter is the best time to get your ducts inspected and repaired? It’s true: ductwork is cheaper this time of year.
Not only will you save money on the inspection and repair process, catching leaky or malfunctioning ducts will save you money too. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Leaky ducts are like a leaky wallet.
After all, your furnace is working hard to pump out all that warm air. Leaks, holes, or loose connections in the ducts allow treated air to slip away before it gets to its destination, making your system work that much harder.
Call in the pros to find and repair leaks before your hard-earned dollars slip away, along with all that warm air.
Replace Filters Regularly
How often do you replace the air filter in your HVAC system? Many people don’t know that filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days.
It’s an easy thing you can do, but it can have a big impact on how efficiently your furnace functions. Keeping your filter clean can also save you money on your utility costs.
Filters trap debris such as dust, hair, and particles, preventing them from entering your HVAC system. When filters get dirty, your system has to work just that much harder to pull air through. This means it runs longer, increasing your energy usage (and your bills). Over time, the extra strain on your HVAC can cause it to break down, costing you even more in repair or replacement expenses.
Plus, a dirty air filter allows more dust and allergens to circulate in your home, not good news for anyone with allergies or respiratory issues. As a general rule, replace your filter:
- Every 30 days if you use inexpensive fiberglass filters
- Every 50 days if someone with allergies lives in the house
- Every 30 days if you have pets (especially long haired)
- Every 90 days if you use high-quality, pleated filters
Dress for the Season
Look, we get it. When you don’t have to go out as much, it’s really easy to stay in pajamas all day.
But let’s face it: Unless you’re sporting an old-fashioned one-piece flannel union suit, pajamas aren’t always the warmest attire. Instead, dress for the season and put on warmer clothes.
If you really want to wear pajamas all day, more power to you. However, why not pop a few warmer layers over the top? That way, you can still maintain a lounge-level of relaxation while staying warm to boot.
Wearing warm clothes inside means that you’ll be able to turn the thermostat down a few degrees and still feel comfortable. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get more wear out of that ugly Christmas sweater!
Turn Down the Temperature
Speaking of turning the heat down, lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees during the day can save you a lot of money on your heating bills.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, simply turning down your thermostat by seven to 10 degrees, eight hours a day, can save you up to 10 percent per year on heating costs. As a general rule, set your thermostat on 68 degrees while you’re awake, and dial it down further when you’re asleep or away from the house.
With the holidays upon us, now is the perfect time to call North East Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing. We’ve been keeping homes in greater San Antonio at the perfect temperature since 1971. Contact us today.
