When it gets cold outside, the energy bills tend to increase as the temperatures drop. You can prevent the bills from skyrocketing, however, by taking a few simple steps to make your home more energy-efficient. Here’s how you can take some of the burden off of the HVAC unit.

How to Make Your Home Energy-Efficient During the Winter

1. Use a Programmable Thermostat

In today’s world, home comfort technology has advanced to be more energy-efficient, with options like a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will allow you to keep the home at different temperatures at several points throughout the day. This way, if you’re going to be gone all day at work, you can plan on keeping your house at 67 degrees instead of 72, saving energy.

2. Check for Drafts

Drafts are the easiest way to negate the effort of your heating system. To make your house more energy-efficient, check for drafts around doorways and windows. If you feel a chill or breeze, consider investing in thicker, more efficient windows and doors. At the least, you should seal the areas around them to prevent the draft from coming in.

3. Update Insulation

Over time, your home’s insulation will settle, deteriorate, or develop mold, causing it to be ineffective. Before winter sets in, check your home’s insulation, such as in the attic or crawl spaces, for signs of deterioration and settling. If it seems old or inefficient, consider having new insulation put in. You’ll enjoy more comfortable temperatures in your home and lower energy bills that will help recoup any of the costs.

4. Have Your HVAC System Serviced

The HVAC system should get tuned up annually, and before winter is a perfect time for it. Tuneups improve the efficiency of your system, removing debris, grime, and dirt that could be clogging it. Technicians should also lubricate moving parts, inspect the system for damage, test its efficiency, replace filters, and complete a checklist of all different parts of your system.

If you’re searching for an energy-efficient HVAC unit for the winter, contact the expert technicians at Comfort Tech Heating and Air Conditioning in Thomasville, NC. Serving all of the Piedmont Triad area for over 20 years, they’re also locally owned and operated, fully licensed, and insured. Whether you need repairs, replacements, or a new installation, they can do it all. Free estimates are available on new installations and replacements, and they offer deals regularly, such as $20 off your next service if you mention their website. Learn more about their services online, or call (336) 472-5858 to schedule an appointment today.