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As the chilly winter weather rolls into the Greensboro, NC area, you’ll likely find yourself relying more heavily on your home’s heating system. Keeping the heater turned up may be necessary for your comfort, but if you aren’t careful, your monthly utility bills may skyrocket. So, how can you maintain your comfort this winter without having to spend a lot of money on energy costs? Here, we’ll cover a few helpful heating tips to keep in mind during the Greensboro winter.
1. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Heating Maintenance
Heating tune-ups are an essential service that can greatly improve the health, energy efficiency, and overall performance of your furnace. During a maintenance visit, your heating technician will run tests on your heating unit, clean and adjust components as needed, and inspect the appliance for any mechanical issues or warning signs of future problems. By identifying any problems with the furnace early, you can potentially avoid costly repairs later.
Custom Air Inc. has a team of highly skilled HVAC technicians who offer comprehensive furnace maintenance. They’ll ensure that your heating system runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the cold season.
2. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
One easy way to optimize your heater’s energy efficiency this winter is to invest in a programmable thermostat. Many modern thermostats allow you to program them with precision based on your unique preferences and schedule. For example, you can set your thermostat to automatically shut off your heater at certain times of the day, such as when you’re sleeping or when you’re at work. This will allow you to cut down on wasted energy and ensure that your furnace only runs when you want it to. Many programmable thermostats also have features that allow you to analyze your home’s energy usage. That way, you can see exactly where you’re wasting electricity and make the necessary changes.
3. Clean Your Air Vents
Whenever your heating system cycles, it must circulate warm air through your ductwork and into the different rooms of the house. Before it reaches your living space, though, that heat must pass through the different air vents throughout your home. When these vents are clean and unobstructed, the warm air will have no problem passing through, making it easier for your furnace to do its job. However, it’s common for air vents to accumulate things like dust, dirt, and random debris. Sometimes, they may also become inadvertently blocked by clutter or a piece of furniture. These issues can obstruct the flow of air from the vent, which can result in hot and cold spots in your dwelling. Additionally, this puts unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
Every few months, it’s wise to clean all the air vents in your home. You should be able to remove each vent’s protective cover with a screwdriver. Then, using a vacuum cleaner with an extension hose, you can remove whatever contaminants have built up inside.
4. Replace Your Furnace Air Filter
Furnaces are equipped with air filters, which are responsible for trapping airborne contaminants as the appliance cycles. If you go too long without switching the filter out, though, it will eventually become dirty or even clogged. This will make it more difficult for your heater to pull air through while cycling, which can negatively affect its heating performance. This will worsen its energy efficiency and increase the risk of an equipment problem. Depending on the type of air filter that your furnace uses, you’ll likely need to replace it every one to three months. Generally, the beginning of the cold season is an excellent time to equip your heating system with a new filter.
5. Utilize Your Curtains
Your curtains can play a significant role in keeping your home warm and efficient this winter. Whenever possible, you should keep your curtains closed at night. This will help prevent heat from escaping through your windows, resulting in a warmer house and a healthier heating system. However, when the sun is out, you’ll want to keep your curtains and blinds open, as the sunlight will provide additional warmth.
You can purchase special energy-efficient curtains to maximize your home’s comfort and efficiency. However, even regular curtains, if they’re heavy, can help keep heat trapped inside your house.
Trusted Greensboro Heating Experts
Since 1998, Custom Air Inc. has been a trusted source of quality heating and cooling services for Greensboro residents. Our certified HVAC technicians offer maintenance, repairs, and installations for all kinds of heating and air conditioning systems. We also offer a variety of other top-tier services, including duct repair, indoor air quality solutions, crawl space encapsulation, whole-house dehumidifier installation, and geothermal services. Contact us at Custom Air Inc. today if you’d like to learn more or make an appointment!
