According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), HVAC use accounts for about half of the average household’s energy bill. If you’re looking for ways to lower the costs of powering up your Erie, PA home this winter, your heating system is the best place to start. With the four tips that follow, you can easily reduce your carbon footprint and your spending.
1. Have Your Heating System Tuned Up
Residential heating systems are far more efficient when they’re well-maintained. Scheduling a furnace, heat pump, or boiler tune-up in fall will eliminate airflow obstructions, loose or damaged parts, and other factors that might otherwise force your heating equipment to work harder and use more energy. It will also improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) and limit the risk of mid-season furnace failure.
2. Schedule Duct Sealing and Insulation Services
Leaky air ducts could be depositing the majority of the heated air that your furnace produces behind your drywall. Having your air ducts sealed, cleaned, and insulated will minimize or eliminate this energy waste. Best of all, this is an improvement you can enjoy all year long and from year to year.
3. Lower Your Thermostat Setting
The DOE also asserts that homeowners can save up to 10% on their energy bills annually by simply dropping their thermostat settings by five to 10 degrees before leaving the home and going to bed. Setting your thermostat two to three degrees lower than you normally would when you’re at home will allow for increased savings without radically altering your indoor climate.
4. Install a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
Have your old, standard thermostat replaced with a smart, programmable device. With these options, you can program scheduled temperature changes to eliminate human error from thermostat management. Smart thermostats also send out timely reminders for HVAC air filter changes and annual equipment tune-ups. Many of these devices additionally collect data on energy use that homeowners can use to further cut their energy costs and make informed decisions about new HVAC improvements.
We help residents of Erie, PA save money while maintaining comfortable, efficient homes. We offer air conditioner, fireplace, boiler, and furnace services. We also provide duct cleaning, air purifiers, and ductless mini-splits. Get in touch with J.J. Agnello Heating & Air Conditioning Inc today to sign up for our preventative maintenance plan or schedule an appointment.
