Every year, Americans spend $14 billion on HVAC services or repairs. Heating and cooling can account for half your home’s energy usage if you’re not careful. Without routine heating maintenance, you could spend more as your unit works overtime.
Before that happens, use these tips to minimize your energy costs in Montgomery, TX. With these adjustments, you can improve your furnace’s efficiency to save money. Use these proven strategies from your trusted Montgomery heating company today!
Adjust the Thermostat Settings
Improve your furnace’s efficiency by demanding less of it. Your furnace won’t have to work as hard if you lower the temperature by a few degrees. It’s easier to maintain your home at a lower temperature.
You can save 10% a year on heating and cooling expenses by turning the thermostat back 7° to 10°F for 8 hours a day. This reduces the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures.
During the winter, save energy by setting the thermostat between 68°F to 70°F when you’re awake. When you’re away from home or asleep, set it to a lower temperature.
During the summer, keep your home warmer than usual when you’re away. Set it to a setting as high as is comfortable when you’re home.
Instead of setting your thermostat manually, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. These devices can help you avoid discomfort when you return. You can manage your thermostat settings from your phone, even when you’re away from home.
The thermostat will learn your preferences and daily habits over time. It can optimize your settings based on:
- Energy rates
- Home occupancy
- Your routine
Automate the temperature to change based on the time of day. This will reduce the HVAC unit’s workload and your energy expenses. Consult your Montgomery heating company to find a thermostat that suits your needs.
Add Insulation
Your furnace will work twice as hard if warm air escapes your home during cold winter months. Poor insulation will increase your energy costs. Meanwhile, the additional strain on your furnace could cause it to break down.
Reduce how much heat your furnace needs to generate by weatherproofing your home. Start by installing weatherstripping on the doors and windows. This reduces how much cold air will leak into rooms.
You can seal gaps around your doors and windows with expanding foam or caulk. Consider hanging insulated curtains to create cold air barriers around windows. Add insulation to the walls, floors, and attics to save more money.
Hire an HVAC company that offers vent cleaning services. If the vents are clogged, the furnace will work harder to push warm air through.
If your HVAC unit is hooked up to a leaky duct system, air will escape before it reaches the inside of your home. Your HVAC technicians can help you avoid leakage with duct sealing services.
Replace Your Air Filters
Your furnace will draw air through the return duct and a filter before heating the air and distributing it through your home. The air filter traps dirt, dust, and other pollutants before it travels through the air. Over time, the filter will become dirty.
Once it’s clogged, the filter will impede the furnace’s airflow. The furnace will work harder to push air through the filter. This can cause components to experience wear and tear.
As these components wear down, the unit is more likely to break down. You may have to pay for costly repairs or even a new unit.
Instead, change your air filter every 90 days. If you have pets, change it out more often.
Replacing the filter can translate to significant efficiency gains. This keeps the air in your home clean and fresh. The best heating companies in Montgomery can further improve your home’s air quality.
Clean the Vents
Check and clean the air vents throughout your home. If they’re clogged, the furnace will work harder, impeding your energy efficiency. Remove the vent cover and vacuum it out or call a Montgomery heating company.
Improve the airflow through your home by opening blocked or closed air registers in each room. Otherwise, the registers will make your furnace work harder to push air through.
Check each register to ensure it’s not blocked by furniture. Open as many doors throughout your home as possible. This ensures constant airflow for peak efficiency.
Schedule Preventative HVAC Services
Schedule routine preventative heating maintenance in Montgomery, TX at least once a year. Routine maintenance could push the life of your unit to over 15 years. You won’t have to pay for a new furnace sooner than expected.
Your HVAC company can assess your unit. They’ll recognize parts that have experienced wear and tear or are close to failing.
Replacing these parts before the unit breaks down will improve your energy efficiency. It can also save you from the stress of a broken unit. With heating maintenance services, you can ensure better efficiency, comfort, and safety.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
HVAC systems that are 10 years or older work less efficiently. They’re prone to requiring emergency repairs. Talk to your local HVAC company to determine if it’s time to install a new furnace or HVAC unit.
Invest in an air-source heat pump to reduce your HVAC energy consumption. Older fossil fuel furnaces and boiler systems have efficiencies between 56 and 70%. Newer, more energy-efficient models range as high as 98.5%.
Switching to a newer model will cut your fuel bills and furnace’s pollution output by half. Consult your Montgomery heating company before choosing a new unit. They can modify the unit to reduce its operating capacity or recommend insulation services.
Request Heating Maintenance in Montgomery Today
Neglecting routine heating maintenance could cause your HVAC unit to break down. Use these simple tips to improve its energy efficiency and extend its lifespan. With help from your Montgomery HVAC company, you can avoid the stress of a broken unit.
Remember, routine heating maintenance can extend the lifespan of your unit. At Luxury Air A/C, we believe excellent service should be the norm. We provide Montgomery County with service that feels extravagant but remains affordable.
You won’t find another Texas HVAC company as committed to your comfort. Contact us today to request heating maintenance services.
