It’s getting cold outside and for many of us that means the heating system is coming on. These days we rely on our HVAC systems more than ever to provide us with a warm, comfortable home during the winter. There’s just one problem: running your heater can cost you a lot of money, and overworking it could shorten the life span of the unit itself. In this blog post, you’ll find 3 pro tips for how to maximize your HVAC system without using more power.
1. Replace Your Filters and Consider Using Better Ones
Dirty furnace filters will decrease your system’s performance by restricting airflow. They also cause higher energy costs due to the increase in work required for your furnace or air conditioner to keep your home comfortable.
Consider a high-quality filter designed to trap more dust and pollen particles than traditional models. The EPA uses the MERV rating system to rank a filter’s ability to control indoor air quality. If you’re like most people, you probably buy low-rated filters and don’t think twice. Being mindful of the quality of the filter you buy will not only help lower your energy bill but also keep your family healthy.
Fortunately, it’s easy to find high-quality furnace filters. Consider going with a higher MERV rating and make sure to get one that’s the right size for your vents. If you have allergy symptoms in your home, install one with a MERV rating of 13 during the heating season. A MERV rating of 13 or higher is also an essential buy if you have someone with asthma or other respiratory issues in your household.
In general, the better the filter you have for your HVAC system, the more energy-efficient it will be. While hospital-grade filters aren’t necessary for every household, if you’ve never tried a high-quality filter, you’re missing out on cleaner air and a great way to maximize your system’s efficiency.
2. Add Insulation
Insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to save money on your energy bills. You can add insulation in walls, attics, and crawl spaces. If you’re looking for a low-cost way to make sure your HVAC system works more efficiently this winter, adding insulation will do the trick.
Insulating a home is all about stopping airflow and making sure that heat stays inside where it belongs. By keeping heat from escaping, your heating system will have to less work to do and use less energy.
If you’re going to invest in home upgrades, insulation is one of the best ways to improve comfort while saving money long-term. While it’s no fun crawling around in dusty crawl spaces, insulation is one of the most effective ways to lower your energy bills.
The best time to add insulation is during construction or renovation projects for maximum benefits and savings over time. If you’re considering a new home build, make sure that it comes complete with proper insulation installed.
3. Let In the Sunlight
If you’re hoping to get some free heat this winter, look no further than mother nature’s celestial furnace: the sun.
The sun heats the earth, including your home. If any of your windows get a fair amount of attention from the sun, make sure to pull those curtains back and let the sunshine in. You’ll get free heat and lower your energy bill at the same time.
If you’re fortunate enough to have big windows on opposite sides of your home, use them both for maximum sunlight exposure. The sun’s rays will bounce off one window into another until they reach their destination: direct contact with objects inside your home that heat up.
Don’t forget to take advantage of your basement windows as well, if you have them. They’re often closed off with little access to sunlight but will provide lots of heat if you open the blinds up during the winter months.
Stay Warm and Save on Energy Costs
Maximizing your HVAC system without using more power doesn’t have to be complicated. Let the sunlight in and add insulation to your house if you can. Stock up on high-quality furnace filters and replace them monthly. With these three tips, you’ll see an improvement in comfort and lower energy bills at the same time. After all, why should you have to choose between comfort and savings?
