Corpus Christi’s winter can bring a variety of elements from snow to ice storms. You want to be sure that your heating system can get you through whatever the winter weather brings. Here are seven ways to reduce heating costs in your home without sacrificing your comfort.

How to Reduce Heating Costs

  1. Use your thermostat wisely. Your home doesn’t need as much heat when you are away or when you are asleep. You can reduce the temperature on your thermostat during these times in order to save energy. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, it is a good investment. A programmable thermostat allows you to set temperatures ahead of time. You will be able to set temperatures according to various schedules so that you can maximize the efficiency of your heating system.
  2. Use a ceiling fan when you are at home. A ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air in the rooms where the fans are located. By using your ceiling fan along with your heating system, you can reduce the demand for heat, and energy consumption as well. This only works in the rooms where the fans are located.
  3. Seal and insulate. Both of these techniques keep the cold air out, and the warm air inside. You can seal with items such as weatherstripping or caulk. Insulation also ensures you don’t lose warm air to the cold spaces. If your home is susceptible to heat loss, your furnace will have to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home. Insulate attic, ducts, and spaces above basements or garages for the greatest effect.
  4. Use insulated curtains and window treatments to help to keep heat inside. Window treatments might seem too simple to make a difference, but the right treatments used properly, can help you to keep the heat inside your home.
  5. Control humidity throughout the home. Many people are concerned about humidity in the warmer months, not realizing that it is as much an issue in the cool months. Generally during the cold months, the issue is low humidity, which can cause problems such as itchy skin and nosebleeds. Dry air is uncomfortable, and in an effort to improve your indoor environment, you can end up make the air too humid. Between normal activities such as cooking, showering, and doing the laundry and dishes, along with your use of the heating system and humidifiers, you could inadvertently create new problems.

    A hygrometer can help you to monitor humidity levels which should ideally be between 30 and 50 percent. Continue to use your exhaust fans and vents. Even without a hygrometer, your body will let you know when your indoor air quality isn’t quite right. The hygrometer simply helps you to determine just how much you need to make adjustments. Keeping humidity at the right levels means you can rely less on your HVAC system, to prevent energy costs from increasing.

  6. Another very effective tool in managing indoor air quality is to ensure your air filters are cleaned or replaced as needed. A dirty air filter will cause your furnace to work harder since air flow is restricted. As the furnace works harder to heat your home, it consumes more energy, leading to a higher heating bill.

  7. Make sure that your home’s air conditioner is well-maintained, and upgrade to a high-efficiency unit if it’s time to consider replacements. You should schedule annual maintenance for your furnace. A system that is not serviced regularly is likely to be inefficient and consume more energy. During maintenance checks, your technician will examine all parts of the system, and clean it thoroughly. Any necessary repairs will be made, and damaged parts replaced. Maintenance prevents your system from developing more serious and expensive problems. By properly maintaining your system you also ensure that it works well when you need it.

There are many ways you can lower heating and energy costs in your home. Contact Bodine-Scott Air Conditioning Co. to learn more about changes you can start making today. Call us at (361) 883-9900 for more information about how our products and services can help you even more.

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