Eight Simple Ways for a Warmer, More Efficient Home This Winter
A warm home in the winter starts with a little preparation this fall. With cooler temperatures around the corner, fall is the ideal time to prepare your home and HVAC system for the chilly season ahead. A well-maintained system can help keep your home warm while also operating efficiently. Taking preventive maintenance now can go a long way toward keeping your home comfortable, running efficiently, and reducing the risk of unexpected issues.
Ensure your thermostat settings are right for the season. Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and keep the fan on “Auto”. Programming your thermostat to a low, comfortable set point can help keep your home energy efficient.
- For a heat pump, adjust your heat setting by 1 degree at a time. Increasing the set point by two or more degrees can activate the auxiliary heat and increase energy consumption.
Keep your filter clean. Replace your return air filter every one to three months to keep your system running efficiently and improve airflow.
Open vents and keep them unobstructed. Make sure furniture, rugs, and curtains are not blocking any vents.
Clean around your unit. Remove any leaves, grass, overgrown vegetation, and other debris away from the unit to allow adequate airflow around the unit.
Schedule a seasonal HVAC inspection. Having an HVAC professional inspect your system can help ensure everything is operating properly.
Reverse the direction of ceiling fans. Make sure your ceiling fans are running clockwise. This helps redistribute the warm air in the room.
Check for air leaks. Gaps around windows, doors, ductwork, and other openings can allow warm air to escape. To seal the gaps, use weatherstripping for doors and appropriate caulk (interior or exterior) for windows.
Let your home breathe. Open windows on opposite sides of your home during a mild temperature day to create airflow and allow stale air to escape. This helps refresh your home and reduce indoor moisture buildup.
As temperatures drop, preparing your home and HVAC system is essential for comfort and efficiency. For any questions, call 704-289-3145 and speak with one of our energy specialists.