Are you ready to turn up the heat? Heating your home can raise your electric bill over the winter, however, you can cut costs by ensuring that your HVAC unit is up to par.
Change your filter
Your air filter works to keep dust and debris out of your HVAV unit and filters the air in your home. Replacing your filter monthly will help extend the life of your unit, and keep it from becoming clogged, which can decrease the efficiency of your unit.
Clean your air ducts
Mold, dust, and allergens can accumulate in your ducts throughout the year, so it is beneficial to have your ducts inspected regularly. Fall is also the perfect time to make sure that nothing is blocking your air returns or vents that will force your system to work harder.
Update your thermostat
Your HVAC system and thermostat are a team. One cannot operate efficiently if the other is slacking! Older mercury thermostats can be unreliable. Check to see if the temperature you’ve set on the thermostat reflects the actual temperature in your home. If not, it’s time to upgrade to a digital thermostat. Plus some digital thermostats are programable allowing you to maintain constant temps and set timers to turn the system off when you leave the house and turn it back on before you arrive home, saving you money when the electric bill rolls around.
Make sure your insulation is adequate
Is the insulation in your home adequate to retain heat over the winter? In addition to your home’s insulation, you’ll need to also inspect the insulation around your ductwork. Improperly insulated ducts can lead to heat loss, meaning your HVAC unit will have to work overtime to maintain your desired temperature costing you unnecessary money.
Schedule regular inspections & maintenance
Be sure to schedule an HVAC inspection with a trusted vendor before winter hits! No one wants to get stuck in the cold waiting for a heating repair, so don’t wait until it happens. Regular maintenance and inspections can catch little problems before they become big ones.
