This winter, you want your family to be comfortable at home, but you also want to save money on utilities. Heating Specialties has some helpful ways to save energy in your home with no cost (or low cost) to you! Keep your New Jersey home cozy and comfortable all winter long with these tips.
1. Change your HVAC filter
The No. 1 way to save energy and keep your HVAC running efficiently is by changing your air filter regularly. Invest in a bundle of filters at the beginning of the year, so you always have one on hand and don’t have to spend the cash later.
2. Program your thermostat
Another way to keep your energy bill low is by programming your thermostat. You can schedule it to lower the temperature when out of the house or asleep and increase it to a higher, more comfortable temperature when at home.
3. Keep temperatures relatively stable
Although setting your thermostat to different temperatures based on the time of day is helpful, don’t swing back and forth between extremes. Significant temperature changes will wear on your HVAC unit and use more energy than if you’d not changed temps at all. Only adjust a few degrees at a time.
4. Use cold water whenever possible
Use cold water when washing clothes or dishes when possible. Heating water takes a lot of energy, but with the advances in technology and detergents, cold water can get your items just as clean. Also, only wash full loads of dishes or clothes instead of smaller loads, which wastes water and money.
5. Watch your utility bills
Keep an eye on your utility bills for spikes in gas, electricity, or water usage each month. The best way to save energy in your home is to be aware of how much you’re using at any given time. If you see a spike in your spending, investigate where it’s coming from and adjust your habits.
6. Check your insulation
Checking the insulation in your home, especially near your furnace, water heater, or water pipes may improve your energy savings. Especially if you have an older home, you probably need to add some insulation to deter drafts and heat loss.
7. Turn off appliances
You can save electricity by turning off or unplugging appliances when not in use. Appliances like microwaves or coffee makers with clocks on them consume energy even when used. Also, energy-efficient appliances are a great way to improve your home’s energy footprint.
8. Keep registers and vents unblocked
Don’t place anything overheat registers or in front of the cold-air return as you rearrange the furniture. Blocking your home’s airflow makes it difficult to heat and ultimately uses more energy.
9. Close the flue on your fireplace
Leaving the flue open on your fireplace is akin to leaving a window or door wide open. If you aren’t using the fireplace, make sure to close the flue!
10. Schedule an HVAC tune-up
Our final tip is technically not “no cost,” but keeping up with your HVAC maintenance is a lot cheaper than replacing an inefficient unit. At Heating Specialties, our routine furnace tune-ups will keep your system running smoothly and save you energy (and money!), too!
If you’re concerned about energy usage in your home, call the Heating Specialties experts at (866) 923-2653 or schedule an appointment online to discuss options for improving your home’s energy efficiency.