Improving your home’s heating efficiency is a great idea any time of the year, and there is a lot you can do to keep your heat running smoothly and your energy bills low. For the best results, you should get started well before winter. Fall maintenance checks on your furnace and your home heating efficiency can catch problems before the strain of the winter season. Like most aspects of HVAC quality, high home heating efficiency is best achieved with regular and careful preventative maintenance, as well as proper use of your heating & air conditioning systems. In addition to regular maintenance and cleaning, here are a few steps you can take to boost your home’s heating efficiency.
For more information on home heating efficiency, or to schedule a professional heating & air conditioning check-up in St. Louis, give us a call, today!
General Tips for Home Heating Efficiency
There are a few reasons you might be trying to boost your home heating efficiency. A more efficient heating system can help you reduce your heating bills, saving you money over time. Plus, a more efficient heater will keep your home cozier and better heat the whole home. Finally, energy efficiency is closely tied to smooth function, so anything you do to boost efficiency will also help reduce wear and tear.
The first thing to keep in mind is insulation. You can do a lot to reduce the strain on your furnace just by insulating your home more effectively. Make sure potential entry points for cold air, like doors and windows, are properly fit and sealed. You should also check any attic and crawlspace insulation to make sure it does not need to be replaced or increased. Many homes can do with a bit more insulation. You can also add insulation to your windows with window insulation film, and make sure to seal any cracks or gaps in the exterior of your house.
Next you can address your HVAC system itself. The key to home heating efficiency is often maintaining an energy efficient environment, but you can make tweaks to your heating system as well to help. Simply reducing your target temperature (say from 70 degrees to 68), can significantly reduce energy costs. Similarly, you can use a programmable thermostat to make sure your heating is not running at full strength when no one is home or everyone is asleep. Applying a few common sense rules — like reducing the temperature when you are out — can greatly improve your home heating efficiency this winter.
Why Maintenance Is Important
In addition to these home heating efficiency tips for the winter, there is a lot you can do year round to keep your home heating efficiency up. Keeping up with regular maintenance on your heating and cooling system, including regular cleaning, as well as duct inspections and replacement air filters, will keep your HVAC system in good shape.
For maintenance during the winter, the general furnace tips that are out there can also help you improve your home’s heating efficiency. Keeping vents and key airflow points clear of clutter and blockages, for instance, prevents airflow issues in your heating & air conditioning system, but it also improves heating efficiency.
Get Help from a Professional to Improve Your Home’s Heating Efficiency
To schedule a heating & air conditioning maintenance check and have help improving your home’s overall heating efficiency, in the greater St. Louis area, contact Galmiche & Sons today. We look forward to helping your family stay warm this winter!
