How to Boost HVAC System Performance and Save Money This Winter
As temperatures begin to drop and home heating systems become essential, many homeowners find themselves bracing for the steadily rising utility bills ahead of them. Heat, especially with an inefficient system, can be pricey, and with the holidays just around the corner, having a little extra change in our pockets really makes all the difference. With just a few simple changes, you can boost home heating system performance and cut costs on those dreaded utility bills.
Read on to learn our top tips on How to Maximize Efficiency and Reduce Utility Costs This Winter Season.
1. Get a Tune-up
This fall, make it a priority to call in your local Heating and Cooling Professional to perform a full heating system inspection and maintenance visit. Doing so will ensure your heating system is working at max efficiency for the cold weather extremes ahead, and give you the peace of mind that everything is working as it should. We recommend maintenance twice per year, to not only catch any potential issues in their tracks, which will save you time and money, but also to keep your system properly cleaned. If not cleaned at least once per year, your heating system could lose up to 40 percent of its energy efficiency.
Performing preventative maintenance on your system is the best thing you can do to reduce your energy bills and save you more money in the long-run.
2. Protect Your Home From Drafts
Ensure that all doors and windows have good weather seals. Proper seals prevent heated air from escaping, and block cold air from entering. Look out for cracks and gaps in the seals, as this likely means they will need to be replaced.
Also keep in mind, that if you feel air coming in around your window frames, or can hold a tissue to the frames and the tissue quivers, it may be time to replace your windows all-together. When windows are in rough shape, your home’s heating system has to work significantly harder to get up to the desired temperature. Replacing old windows will greatly improve your heating systems performance and efficiency, resulting in fewer drafts and overall reducing utility costs.
3. Swap Out That Thermostat
Thermostats play a very important role in controlling your heating system, and cutting costs on utility bills could be as simple as switching out that old thermostat for a new one. Many newer models such as smart thermostats have advanced technology designed with maximum efficiency in mind. Smart thermostats allow you to set temperatures to an advanced schedule which allows precise control over when, and even where you want adjusted temperature.
Advanced thermostats can be tricky to install. It is best to leave thermostat installation to a professional HVAC technician. This will save time and money, and also ensure it is installed correctly. If you choose Chesapeake Comfort Systems for your specialty thermostat installation, we will find the best option for your home system and get it up and running in no time. We’ll even walk you through all the thermostat’s operations and show you how to get the most out of its advanced features.
4. Inspect Your Outdoor Unit
Next time you’re outside, take a quick look out your outdoor unit and make sure it is free of debris. Over time, weeds, shrubbery, and branches can wreak havoc on your system, hindering its performance and potentially causing permanent damage.
Gently remove any greenery that has latched onto the outdoor unit. Never spray an outdoor unit with a direct stream of high pressure water, as this could damage its interior components. If it appears to be caked in dirt, the mist setting can be used on a standard hose, however please do so with care and caution. For more extreme cases, we highly recommend leaving it to a professional HVAC service technician.
Live in the Chesapeake Bay Area? We’re Here to Help.
Whether it’s performing a preventative maintenance visit to boost system efficiency this winter, or installing the latest and greatest energy saving thermostats, you can count on Chesapeake Comfort Systems to perform heating and cooling service with the very best quality and value around. We know how stressful HVAC-related issues can be, and we’re here for you every step of the way.
From our kind and caring office staff to our professional technicians with years of HVAC expertise, Chesapeake Comfort Systems is a clear choice for your heating and cooling service needs.
If your home is located in one of our many Service Areas, then Contact Us today to schedule a service visit.