For many homeowners throughout the country, energy bills are often high during the winter months. This is because heating systems are often left running nonstop to keep interiors warm. Cold air can seep through vulnerable areas, forcing equipment to work harder to maintain thermostat settings. The following steps will prevent the strain on your HVAC system that leads to high energy consumption in the winter. 

3 Ways to Boost Home Efficiency in the Winter

1. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Keeping the heating system turned on high when no one is home is also a common way to consume more energy than necessary. Adjusting the thermostat a few degrees lower when no one is home and before bed will help reduce energy usage. In fact, lowering the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for an eight-hour period each day can help reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 10%. You can even install a programmable thermostat to lower and raise the temperature at designated times in case you forget. 

2. Seal Air Leaks

From cracks in foundations to gaps in window and door frames, there are several ways cold air can get inside your space, leaving an uncomfortable draft that leads to high energy bills. For an idea of what problems need to be addressed, schedule a home energy audit. Technicians will inspect each room and use infrared cameras and other state-of-the-art equipment to provide a picture of your home’s energy consumption. They will recommend using caulk and weatherstripping materials to seal air leaks in specific areas. 

3. Schedule Heating System Maintenance

Using dirty or damaged equipment won’t allow the heating system to operate at its full potential. This could result in high energy bills, poor indoor air quality, and frequent equipment breakdowns. To prevent these problems, invest in professional heating system maintenance. Technicians will replace dirty air filters, clean registers and ducts, tighten electrical connections, recalibrate the thermostat, repair damaged pilot lights, and provide additional solutions to make your system run more efficiently.

If you need heating system services to increase the efficiency of your home, contact the HVAC technicians at Anderson Automatic Heating & Cooling. Since opening in 1929, the company has built a strong reputation for providing residents in the Cincinnati, OH, area with repairs and installations to keep their homes comfortable and efficient throughout the year. To schedule a consultation in Hamilton County, call (513) 574-0005, or visit them online to learn more about their services.