During the winter in League City, Texas, you want your home to be an energy-efficient living space for everyone in your family. When you consider the costs required to heat your home during the cold-weather season, saving energy becomes something you don’t want to take for granted. From maintaining your home’s HVAC system to being smart with your thermostat, you can keep your home comfortable and inviting while still saving energy this winter.
Programmable Thermostats Control Temperatures
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save on heating costs during the winter if you lower the thermostat when you’re asleep or away from home. A temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit is considered comfortable when you’re at home and not sleeping.
If you have a programmable thermostat in your home, you can adjust the temperature according to a preset schedule. This adjustability is useful if, for example, you often forget to turn down the heat before you leave your home for the day. You can also program an automatic thermostat to raise the temperature at designated times throughout the day — such as right before you and your family come home from work and school in the evenings.
Lighting and HVAC System Matchup Helps With Home Comfort
ElectricChoice.com notes that lighting contributes to about 20 percent of electricity costs in the United States. To help your home’s heating system save energy, keep the following tips in mind:
- During the winter, make the most of natural lighting to help warm your home as much as possible. Keep blinds and drapes open during the daytime to allow sunlight to warm your living spaces.
- Keep lamps away from your home thermostat. The heat that lamps produce can cause your furnace to run less than needed to keep your home comfortable.
Clean Ductwork Improves Heat Flow in the Home
Working together with your home’s HVAC system, clean ductwork can ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of heat to each room of your home. Blocked or clogged ductwork can significantly curtail the flow of heat from your furnace to your home’s living spaces. In combination with a properly maintained HVAC system (see below), clean ductwork can contribute positively to your home’s energy usage and the amount of money you spend to heat your home during the winter.
If you haven’t had your home’s ductwork inspected lately, now is a good time. An HVAC professional certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association can inspect your home’s ductwork and address any issues. While most homeowners can probably go two to five years between ductwork inspections, but for people who smoke in their homes and those who own pets, they should have their home’s ductwork inspected more often.
Clean Furnace Filters Ensure Proper Airflow
During the cold-weather season, you want to make sure you properly maintain your home’s heating system. One of the easiest ways is to clean the furnace filter monthly, a task which can also improve your home’s indoor air quality.
First, turn off the furnace. Most filters are located in a slot between the furnace and the return-air duct. Some filters may require access through a special panel. If you have a metal or plastic filter, clean it with water, let it dry, and replace it. If your furnace uses a disposable fiberglass filter, replace it with a new one.
Our HVAC services professionals at Maxx AC/Heating are also an integral part of maintaining your home’s HVAC system. By scheduling regular service visits with our technicians, you can be sure that your home won’t be without heat when you need it the most during the winter months. A properly maintained home heating system can save you a significant amount of money on your home heating costs.
Allow our Maxx AC/Heating specialists help keep your home’s HVAC system functioning properly so that you can reap the benefits of energy savings during the winter months. Our team members offer 24/7 emergency services in addition to routine maintenance visits. To schedule an appointment with one of our home comfort specialists, call us today at (281) 338-2653.
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