Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home warm and toasty during cold weather, but if you keep your heat on 24/7, you may be in for a shock when you see your heating bill. There are several ways you can make your HVAC unit more efficient so you can save money on the cost of heating your home. Here are the heating basics you need to know to reduce your bill.
Replace the Filters
If you think that air filters are just products you need to change every once in a while to improve the air quality in your home, you’re wrong. They actually do more the keep various pollutants from clogging up your HVAC unit and prevent it from running efficiently. For this reason, it’s important to change your filter monthly. It may not seem to save you any money now, but it will boost the efficiency of your heater so that you can save money each month on your heating bill.
Seal Air Leaks
Your heater works most efficiently when there are no air leaks in your home that could let cold air from outside into your house. Check around doors and windows for any small gaps that could let your air out of your house and seal them with inexpensive caulking.
Program the Thermostat
If you aren’t going to be home for a large portion of the day, there’s no point in heating the house. Invest in a programmable thermostat that allows you to turn the heat down while you are at work. You can bump the heat up just before you get home so that your house is nice and warm when you arrive.
Use Ceiling Fans
You use your ceiling fans to help you stay cool during the hot summer months, but they can also help move warm air down so you can save money on your heating bills. Heat rises, but if you flip the little switch on the base of your ceiling fan, it will start to spin clockwise instead of counterclockwise and will pull the warm air down where you can feel it.
Service the Furnace
It’s always a good idea to have your furnace inspected by a professional before cold weather arrives. Although an inspection will cost you some money, it will end up reducing your heating bill significantly if there are any problems with your furnace. Heater maintenance is essential for keeping your unit running properly.
Be Smart About Alternative Heating Methods
You may think that using a heater or fireplace is a good way to heat your home and cut down on heating costs, but these heating methods are ineffective for heating the whole house. They can only heat small areas, so it will have to run much longer to warm the entire house when you run the heat again. It is much more efficient to keep the heat going and only use a fireplace for ambiance.
Trust Pioneer Heating & Air for All of Your Heating Needs
If you live in or around Knoxville, Tennessee, and want to make sure your heater is in good condition before cold weather hits, trust the experts at Pioneer Heating & Air to maintain your HVAC unit. We will work diligently to ensure that your heater keeps working efficiently so you and your family can stay warm in the winter. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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