Want to know the secret to keeping your heater’s energy bill low?
It’s all about taking care of your system. As long as your system is in tip-top shape from head to toe, there’s not much else you have to worry about. But for the average homeowner, they don’t always readily understand just how much of your system you need to keep in check. That’s why we’re going to break it down for you in this post.
Seal Those Ducts
If you’re using a heat pump or furnace, then that means your house is integrated with a duct system. If you’re not familiar, the ducts are the series of vents installed in your attic or crawlspace. Their job is to help bring all the heated air into the rooms, where it comes out of the air register.
The ducts require a tight seal at all times. Without it, air won’t flow properly, and that will drive down your efficiency. Sometimes this happens when your ducts develop leaks. Its estimated that nearly 30% of your airflow can be lost through leaks, and that equates to a lot of money going down the drain.
If it has been a few years since you’ve had your ducts inspected, have an HVAC contractor in Fort Wayne check them out. If they find any leaks, they can seal them up for you.
Change Your Filter
This is one of the easiest things you can do for your efficiency. Every forced-air heater is equipped with an air filter. This filter is meant to protect the internal components from dust and dirt. Yet, over time, it will become clogged and need replacement.
It’s easy for homeowners to forget all about the air filter. Yet, it could be a major contributor to efficiency issues. A dirty filter will restrict airflow, which will begin to reduce your system’s efficiency. After that, it can contribute to serious problems like overheating, and that can damage your system.
Upgrade That Thermostat
If your HVAC system is in top shape but your heating bill still isn’t where you want it to be, the problem could be coming from how you’re using your thermostat. Although you can try to stick to a schedule and adapt for changes in the weather, the easiest way to cover this base is by installing a smart or wireless thermostat.
These thermostats will observe your preferences and start automatically adjusting the temperature for you. They’ll keep you on track with your savings and ensure that you don’t go over.
There are several features in these thermostats, and they’re not all the same for every brand. Your best bet is to tell a professional what your goals are and to let them choose a thermostat with the most relevant features.
Schedule for Maintenance
We’ve saved the best for last. Maintenance is required to keep your system in good working, and it can prevent about 85% of major issues from ever occurring.