6 Ways to Ensure That Your Home Is Warm
It is getting colder, and the time to turn the heater on for the winter is quickly approaching. However, you are probably dreading turning your HVAC system on due to the likelihood that your utility bills will increase. Fortunately, there are ways that can help you heat your home efficiently.
1. Get Your HVAC System Repaired
If you have any issues with your HVAC system, get an HVAC repair immediately. If you think that the issue is just a minor one, you need to know that eventually, that problem could get worse. For example, if your fan on your unit is making a funny noise, you will want to get it repaired immediately. If your unit is not functioning well, it’ll be having to work much harder at heating your home. Getting it repaired will help save you money on your utility bills.
2. Insulation
You will want to make sure that your home is well insulated. Homes that are not well insulated simply do not hold the heat in. This causes your unit to work nonstop to cool your home. If your home is older, you will want to check to make sure that all the exterior walls, under the floors, and the attic is insulated. If they are not, have them insulated as soon as possible to ensure that your utility bill goes back down.
3. Airflow Problems
You will want to make sure that you change the filter on your HVAC system frequently. When this filter becomes clogged, your unit has to work harder to draw more air. When the unit works harder, it calls for more power, which will increase your utility bills. In addition to ensuring that your furnace filter is clean, you will also want to make sure that your ductwork is clean. If your ductwork is broken or clogged, this will also cause your unit to work harder. Consider getting a yearly maintenance package from your local HVAC company. Each year, they will come out and inspect your unit and your ductwork. This will help to ensure that you have proper airflow with your system.
In addition to checking your ductwork and air filter, you will also want to ensure that none of the registers in your home are blocked off or clogged with debris. Periodically clean off your registers with your vacuum cleaner. It is easy for toys or even pets to block the airflow. Making sure that there is nothing blocking the flow of air will help your unit work more efficiently.
4. Window Replacement
If you have older windows, you are letting cold air into your home. Older windows are inefficient and will cause your furnace to have to work harder to keep your home warm. If you cannot replace your windows right now, consider covering them with thick curtains and getting a seal to go over the window itself. You will be amazed at how much you will save by doing this.
5. Get a New Thermostat
If you have an older thermostat, especially the kind with the dial, you will want to replace it. Those thermostats are out of date and may not work as efficiently as newer thermostats. When purchasing a new thermostat, you may want to consider getting a programmable one. These can be set to have your furnace set at a lower temperature when you are not home, which will help you to save money.
6. Get a New System
If your furnace is over 10 years old, you may want to consider getting a new furnace installation. Getting a new furnace can help ensure that you have only the best furnace possible. Your old furnace probably does not have a great SEER rating. The lower the SEER rating, the less efficient your unit is. When you have a high SEER-rated furnace, you will save a significant amount of money on your utility bills each month. New furnaces are also less prone problems and will last for many years.
If you have an issue with your heater not working efficiently, please call us at Price’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning today. We proudly serve Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties in New Jersey. Call us at 856-325-9719 to schedule an appointment.