Heating the home in the cold Colorado winters can push them towards bursting the budget some years. The HVAC system works extremely hard to keep them and their family warm as the temperatures outdoors sink. The home’s furnace may seem to run constantly on the coldest days.
Keeping warm indoors without tipping the scales on the heating budget means taking steps to create greater efficiency and perhaps relying on the furnace less. With some thought and creativity, and perhaps help from the professional HVAC technicians at Premier Heating and Air, there are a few strategies they can try to lower their energy use.
Regular Maintenance by a Professional
HVAC technician will also clean any excess dirt from the unit and inspect the ducts for any blockages or buildup
Keeping the HVAC system in top running operation means taking care of the heating and cooling units with preventative maintenance and regular tune-ups. Experts suggest having the HVAC technician check on the furnace once a year. The technician will check that all mechanical components are working as they should. If any parts are damaged or worn, they should be replaced to avoid failure of the furnace. The technician will lubricate moving parts to reduce excess wear and tear from friction.
The HVAC technician will also clean any excess dirt from the unit and inspect the ducts for any blockages or buildup. The electrical and gas connections leading to and from the furnace should also be inspected during the routine maintenance appointment.
These connections pose dangerous risks to health and property if they are faulty or damaged. They may also want to have the technician check and calibrate the thermostat. This annual maintenance helps extend the life of the HVAC system and maintain efficient operation.
Change the Air Filter Regularly
The furnace contains an air filter that helps remove dust, debris, and allergens from the air that moves through the unit. With use, the filter begins to get dirty and fill and could eventually clog if not changed or cleaned. Once the filter becomes clogged, the furnace must work harder to force warm air out of the unit.
Talk to the HVAC technician about energy-efficient filters and find the one that works best for the furnace. They’ll enjoy healthier indoor air, and the furnace will work more efficiently with a clean, new air filter.
Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat uses a Wi-Fi connection to offer users an easy, convenient way of adjusting the temperature
A smart thermostat uses a Wi-Fi connection to offer users an easy, convenient way of adjusting the temperature. With a smart thermostat, they can change the temperature from any room of the house or while away from home. The smart thermostat can learn patterns and habits to adjust the temperature automatically.
Smart or not, they should use the programmable functions on their thermostat to lower the temperature inside their home while nobody is home and when they go to sleep at night. The smart thermostat can also show them trends in the energy usage and help them plan ways to lower their consumption. Some high-end smart thermostats can even tell them when there is a problem with the HVAC system.
Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Unit
As technology advances, furnaces are becoming more and more energy efficient. If they have an older model, they may want to consider making an upgrade. As the furnace ages, the parts just don’t work as well as they once did. Even with routine maintenance, the furnace may be falling drastically short on energy efficiency when compared to a new heating unit.
If the furnace is 10 years old or older, talk with the trusted HVAC company about whether it is time to install a new unit in the home. They may find that the unit they have is either too large or too small, so make sure they choose a new furnace that fits their home. The initial cost may pay off quickly in the coming years as they save money on their winter heating bills.
Consider Zone Heating
The single central heating unit still heats the entire home, but they have separate thermostats in each zone
With zone heating, they can control the temperature in different areas of the home separately. Zone heating is especially useful for mid- to large-sized homes. This method of heating allows them to heat only the areas they want to be heated and lower the temperature in other zones. For example, many people with zone heating choose to split the home into separate zones for each level of the house. They may also choose to heat different zones on the same floor if they have a large layout on a single level.
The single central heating unit still heats the entire home, but they have separate thermostats in each zone. Dampers in the ducts close off the vents to certain areas while opening vents up in others. With this process, they can eliminate hot and cold spots in the house and lower the energy usage.
They can cut the temperature in parts of the home that aren’t used as often or at all. With zone heating, they can greatly reduce the energy consumption, thus lowering the utility bills in the winter.
Bundle up With Extra Layers
Sometimes, they need to rely on something other than the HVAC system to keep them warm as the winter weather turns frigid. They might be tempted to run to the thermostat and crank up the temperature when they get the chills, but they have other options. Go to the closet and grab a cozy sweater.
When they are lounging on the couch watching TV or visiting with the family, grab a blanket for extra warmth
Pull on some cute fuzzy socks or slippers. Thermal underwear is great for keeping the body heat inside and the cold off the skin. Snuggling with the family is another great way to create warmth and lower the reliance on the furnace alone.
When they are lounging on the couch watching TV or visiting with the family, grab a blanket for extra warmth. They can use clothing and blankets they already own to avoid added expenses while lowering the heating bills.
Utilize the Sunlight
The sun may not seem like the most likely source of heat in the winter. However, they can take advantage of the sunlight that spills through the windows. Open the shades in the morning to let the sunlight in. The heat that comes through can warm the house to a small degree, giving them an extra source of heat at no additional cost. In the evening, when the sun goes down, close the blinds or curtains to shield against the cold.
Staying warm in the harsh Colorado winters is no easy task. For comfort and safety, they need heat in the home. However, the more heat from the furnace, the higher the energy bills. Take some tips from them on ways to make the home more energy efficient as well as utilizing some other ideas on staying warm. The budget will thanks when the electric bill comes. When they need professional help, they are ready to assist with HVAC repair and maintenance and indoor air quality services along with heat pump installation and repair.
