HVAC Tips / November 2, 2022
8 Winter Energy Saving Tips
Winter temperatures cause an increase in energy consumption, leading to considerably higher bills. Not only is it good to save money but it’s also important to make your home comfortable & stay warm as it starts getting colder. Thankfully, though, there are numerous ways to keep your house warm and cozy during these cold months (without having to pay sky-high heating bills).
Ways to Save Money this Winter
Here are some quick energy-saving tips for this winter to beat the freeze and keep your energy bills lower.
- Switch the fan blade’s direction
- Lower the water heater temperature
- Cover drafty windows
- Block drafts around doors
- Use a Space heater for Smaller Areas
- Inspect & Replace your Furnace Filter
- Turn down the thermostat
From simple, do-it-yourself techniques to the less common tricks that only professionals can assist with, there are several ways to be more efficient and save more money this winter.
Switch the fan blade’s direction
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for roughly 18 percent of your utility bill after heating and cooling. For every 100-degree reduction, you can save from 3% to 5% percent on your water heating costs, while still getting the warm water you need.
Set your water heater to 120 degrees. Your water heater won’t have to work as hard to heat the water at a lower temperature.
Lower the water heater temperature
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for roughly 18 percent of your utility bill after heating and cooling. So, lower the temperature on your water heater to 1200F; for every 100F reduction, you can save from 3 to 5 percent on your water heating costs, while still getting the warm water you need.
Cover drafty windows
There are tons of window insulation kits that can be easily set up during the winter months to keep your home warm. Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame, or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames to help reduce infiltration. You can also install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades to improve energy efficiency.
Block drafts around doors
Block drafts around doors and baseboards with weather stripping and caulk to control heat loss. For a short-term solution, place a bath towel at the base of your door to keep your home warmer, and longer. Even more, consider installing storm doors and windows to improve energy efficiency and eliminate drafts.
Use a Space heater for Smaller Areas
If you only need to heat a small room, consider using a space heater. Most space heaters are energy-efficient and can keep you warm. Work from home? Having a space heater next to your desk is perfect for those colder days.
However, when you need to heat the whole house, space heaters are not as efficient. This is where a furnace or a heat pump is considered a better option.
Inspect & Replace your Furnace Filter
Before turning on the furnace this winter, it would be a good time for basic maintenance of your heating and cooling systems. Checking your furnace filters to make sure they are clean or if they need to be replaced.
If you are unsure what to do, consider calling an HVAC professional to inspect your system.
Turn down the thermostat
When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as possible to maintain your comfort. Then, when you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours, and save roughly 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills. A smart thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.
Heating Service in San Diego
Don’t get cold feet! Mauzy Heating, Air & Solar has the heating solution for your home. Our team of experts has the ability to work on any system from a standard forced air heater to a full hydronic, in-floor heating system. By training our team on all types and brands typically used in San Diego, we’re sure that we can keep your home comfortable, year-round. all to schedule an appointment at 619.319.9929 today!
In addition to saving energy this winter, learn about ways to save money all year round with other home energy tips.
