In the winter, you can waste a lot of energy and money by running your heating system constantly. There are a few strategies you can employ to cut back on energy use, but there are also many energy-wasting mistakes that people make. Here are some HVAC contractor-approved strategies to keep in mind as you aim to make your heating system more energy-efficient.

Do:

Schedule regular maintenance.

Call your HVAC contractor to schedule an inspection and preventative maintenance each season. They will evaluate how your system is working and identify any concerns that could lead to malfunctions or inefficiency.

Install a smart thermostat.

A smart thermostat will read the temperature around your home and make changes based on your habits and activities. For example, you may like your home to be a few degrees colder at night or when no one’s home. You can set the thermostat to make these changes automatically, so you don’t waste energy.

Reverse ceiling fan circulation.

Most fans can be set to rotate in the opposite direction. This sends warm air down into your living space. Since fans use significantly less energy than heating systems, this step will allow you to set your thermostat a degree or two lower and save big over time.

Don’t:

Forget to change air filters.

When dust and debris pass through your ventilation system, it gets collected in your filters. When those filters get full, it’s harder for air to pass through them. This makes your system work significantly harder to deliver the same amount of heat. Check air filters monthly to avoid this issue.

Turn the system off completely when you’re away for short periods.

Most people think they’re saving money by turning off the system whenever they leave, but it actually has to work harder to provide the ideal temperature once the system is switched back on. Instead, set it at a slightly lower temperature so you can still save without those drastic temperature shifts.

Ignore strange sounds or smells.

Any unusual sounds or smells coming from your heating system could signal malfunction. If you catch them right away and call your HVAC contractor, they may be able to provide simple repairs and salvage the system. If you ignore them, it could lead to wasted energy and potentially shorten the life span of your furnace.

If you’re looking for an HVAC contractor to inspect your system, provide repairs, or perform preventative maintenance, look no further than Advantage Air in Lexington, KY. The heating and AC repair company provides a wide array of HVAC services, including residential and commercial repairs and installation. With more than 20 years of experience, the company provides reliable service to every customer while keeping prices affordable. You can send the team a message online or call (859) 559-6409 to request service.