Since we deal with hotter temperatures most of the year, it seems odd to think about our heating systems at all. But the fact of the matter is, since we spend so much on energy due to AC system use, it actually makes a lot of sense that you’d want to think about how to spend less when temperatures do cool down–for however brief of a time it is.
The good news is, you don’t have to completely avoid using your heater to save money this winter. There are some helpful ways you can use your heater in order to save energy, and subsequently, money. Read on to learn more!
Schedule Maintenance!
The good news is, it’s never too late to schedule heating maintenance in Tallahassee. We fortunately don’t have to deal with bitterly cold temperatures in the dead of winter. Sure, if you have a service interruption on a chilly night, it’s going to be uncomfortable, but it won’t be dangerous.
That said, while we do recommend you schedule maintenance in the fall or the very beginning of winter, if you’re reading this post a month from now, it’s okay if you schedule the service today.
Consistency actually matters more than timing here–as long as you’re having professional heating maintenance done once a year, your system should stay in good shape, and work as efficiently as possible for the years to come!
Insulate!
How’s the level of insulation in your home? Living in Florida, you might think this is completely unnecessary. But the truth is, insulation helps prevent heat transfer, whether it’s preventing it from getting in or out.
This means that insulation doesn’t only help heating efficiency, it helps with your air conditioning efficiency as well, since your home won’t heat back up as fast after your AC system cycles off, as long as you have the right insulation in place.
Change Your Air Filter
The air filter that comes standard with your AC system, furnace, or heat pump has an important job, but it might not be what you think. There’s a fairly common misconception that it’s in place to protect your indoor air quality. Its actual purpose is to protect the interior components of the system itself.
If it gets too clogged up though, it restricts airflow. And when that happens, your furnace or heat pump has to run longer to actually achieve the desired temperature setting on your thermostat, therefore working inefficiently.
Lower the Temperature
Speaking of your thermostat, if you really do want to cut back on your monthly utility costs, then you should look at how you’re using this device. The Department of Energy recommends that you set the thermostat to about 68°F if you really want to save–as long as this is bearable for the whole family. Lowering your temperature when you aren’t home or when you’re sleeping is another way to conserve energy, since your heater won’t have to run as long.
The trick is to not shut your heating system off completely. Otherwise if we do have a couple of chilly days in a row, your ductwork and your home will cool down significantly, which means your furnace or heat pump will have to run even longer to get back up to your preferred temperature setting.
For professional Tallahassee, FL heating services, contact Parker Services Inc today!