5 Ways to Save on Heating This Winter
It’s wintertime in Tacoma. While December treated us to some pretty unpredictable weather, our heating and cooling systems had us covered.
From now until May, your furnace or heat pump will be working its hardest to keep you warm. This month, as you take down decorations and write thank-you cards, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re getting the most out of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
Many hidden factors in your Washington home can squander heat—like leaky windows and poor insulation. They make your HVAC equipment work twice as hard and drive up your utility bills.
Fortunately, there are several steps to take the burden off of your equipment (and your wallet). From Resicon’s team of specialists, here are five tips to save on heating this winter:
1. Insulate Your Attic, Walls, and Floors
Properly insulating your home is a surefire way to keep warm air in and cool air out. It’s also a relatively inexpensive solution, especially if you choose to do it yourself. You can save 15 percent annually by insulating your attic, basement rim joists, and crawlspace, according to the ENERGY STAR®.
2. Seal Your Windows and Doors
A leaky home will sink your finances. Hot air naturally looks for an escape route through cracks in your windowsills or spaces under your doors. This will cause your heating system to turn on more frequently, using more electricity or gas.
You can remedy gaps in your window frame by sealing cracks or hanging thick curtains. You can also purchase door heat stoppers – thick pieces of spongey fabric that seal off your doors.
3. Dress in Layers
The US Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during winter days and lowering the temperature at night. If that’s too cold for you, you’re not alone! To compensate, we recommend wearing warmer clothing—like a flannel shirt or a hoodie. Your toes are often the most susceptible to feeling cold—invest in a pair of slippers and you’ll notice a major difference.
4. Invest in Zone Control Systems
Setting up a zone control system enables you to individually adjust the temperature in different rooms. That means you can heat the rooms you spend the most time in while lowering the temp in unoccupied parts of your home. If you have a two-story home or rooms with varying temperature needs, a zone control system is a great way to reduce energy use during the winter.
5. Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is vital to preserving your heating system’s efficiency. A specialist will change your air filter and check your air ducts for leaks. During the inspection, a team member can also use thermal imaging to find “cold spots” around your home that need to be patched, or insulated, and advise you on other ways to get the most out of your HVAC unit. Maintenance visits also allow your specialist to catch mechanical issues before they turn into a costly repair or replacement. After a month of shopping for gifts, the last thing you want is to buy a new heater.
Request Assistance From A Heating Specialist
We hope you found this list helpful. Remember: in addition to saving money, you will help protect Washington’s lush landscapes for future generations by switching to more energy-efficient systems. If you’d like to learn more, call Resicon’s Tacoma, WA office at (253) 625-7952, or schedule a consultation online.