Three Simple HVAC Tips for Winter
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but a properly functioning HVAC system is so delightful…To get the most out of your HVAC system this winter, here are three helpful tips:
Change the setpoints of your thermostat temperature
Did you know that a long winter’s nap can actually save you money? Choosing temperature setpoints that balance comfort and efficiency can sometimes be a challenge, but if done properly, your thermostat can actually save you money while you sleep. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 10 percent a year on heating and cooling costs by simply turning the thermostat back between 7 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. Lowering your thermostat can also benefit your health, as studies have found that sleeping at temperatures between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit can help lower core body temperature and increase the body’s ability to fall asleep.
Lower your thermostat temperature while you’re away
Now is the time for holiday travel. If you plan on being away from your home for an extended period of time, consider setting your thermostat between 10 and 15 degrees blow your normal home temperature. During this time of year, the lower the temperature, the slower the heat loss. Therefore, the longer you’re able to keep your home at a cooler temperature during the winter, the greater the potential for energy savings.
Use this time to perform routine HVAC maintenance
For most Americans, we’re in the window in which homeowners switch over from the home’s cooling system to its heating system. To ensure your heating system runs optimally throughout the winter, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a licensed HVAC technician that can perform preventative maintenance checks to thoroughly detect and diagnose any issues related to efficiency and safety.
There are also several ways you improve the safety and efficiency of your home without the help of a professional. For instance, now is the perfect time to replace HVAC filters in your home. Over time, these filters can build up dust and other contaminants that are not only unhealthy to breathe, but also detrimental to the performance of your HVAC system, as it must work harder and consume more energy to heat the home. If left unchecked, dirty filters can also become fire hazards.
