Seasonal changes bring changes to your utility usage. Heat in the dead of winter is such a vital part to staying comfortable and safe but there a lot of things to know to keep your system active. Before the winter really sets in, get your heating service Newport news VA and take heed of these couple tips for your home’s heaters.
Check Your Thermostat and Furnace
Set your thermostat to be as low as it can be while keeping you comfortable. Each degree you change for your home can save you between 1 and 3% on your bill. If you’re leaving your home for any extended period of time, set your thermostat 10 degrees lower. This is a way for you to save a ton of energy and costs since you’re not going to be there to enjoy the warmth. Clean or replace your filters about once a month to keep optimal performance and home hygiene. If you find any holes in your ducts hire a professional to come and repair the issue.
Adjust for the Weather
Check your home for any leaks. Seeping cold air can cause you to waste energy and increases your bill needlessly. So, make sure your home is air tight before it gets really cold. Add insulation around windows, doors and other places where cold air could spill in. For your HVAC system don’t let snow pile too high, the pressure could cause an emergency shutdown. This same rule applies to ice; don’t let your system freeze too much during exceptionally cold periods or you could experience a ton of performance issues. Don’t block the exhausts in your home the back up can cause other issues. Keep the blinds of your south facing windows open to allow any sunlight to naturally heat up your living space.
Save Energy in Other Ways
Use power strips to economize energy for various plug-ins like modems, televisions and other appliances. Air dry your dishes as opposed to using a dishwasher every time. Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees fahrenheit. Use a microwave oven, if possible, instead of a conventional oven.
Following these tips can go a long way in terms of decreasing your financial costs during winter. Wasting heat can be an extreme cost to your comfort as well as your wallet. Sealing up holes to prevent leaking air and protecting your home from snow and ice damage will make weathering the winter significantly easier.
