Winter is quickly approaching, and if your furnace isn’t running pretty much constantly, it will be soon. Your house is comfortable, but your energy bills are through the roof. Plus, that much usage stresses out your system, causing it to break down more frequently and require replacement sooner. What can you do about it? Here are a few tips to reduce HVAC strain this winter.
- Home energy audit. Running your furnace all day doesn’t make much difference if cold air is also leaking in from outside. A professional home energy audit can show you exactly where the leaks are in your home so you can seal them, improving efficiency and reducing HVAC strain.
- Ductwork sealing. Leaks in your ducts cause air to leak out before it reaches you, reducing airflow in your home and increasing the strain on your furnace to make up for it. Even tiny, pinhole leaks can reduce energy efficiency by as much as 30%. Look for holes, tears, and other damage to your ductwork and seal them with metal tape or mastic sealant — but not duct tape.
- Programmable thermostat. With a programmable or smart thermostat that adjusts automatically according to your schedule, you can save money and reduce strain. Keep it at 68 degrees during the day, but program it for 60 while you’re at work. When you get home, you can bump it back up to 68, but to save more, program the time you normally go to bed and lower the temperature then to 65.
- Furnace tuneup. The most important step in reducing HVAC strain is scheduling your annual maintenance visit. Your HVAC technician will examine the system carefully to make sure the motor is running properly, your airflow is at the right level, your thermostat is set properly, and that everything else is running at maximum efficiency. This simple checkup at the beginning of the season will reduce the strain on your system and keep it running for years to come.
For more help reducing HVAC strain and improving energy efficiency in your home, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We serve Dayton with quality heating and cooling solutions.
