Big Bear winters can be chilly, with lows often dipping below freezing. Throughout the area, homeowners spend the coldest months of the year huddled in front of their fireplaces, depending on their furnaces to keep them warm at night.
But these cold winters can also lead to high utility costs, as furnaces pump warm air into homes 24 hours a day. It’s important to look at ways to heat your home more efficiently, both for the environment and your own household budget. Here are ten quick Big Bear Heating tips to cut your costs this winter.
Seal Leaks
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends air sealing as a great way to reduce energy use in your home. Look for leaks around doorways and windows and seal with caulk or weatherstripping.
Clean Your Vents
Over time, vents can become clogged, creating excessive dust build-up and reducing your air quality. It can also obstruct airflow. Using a vacuum cleaner with an accessories hose and microfiber cleaning cloths, conduct a thorough cleaning of all your vents each year.
Replace Filters
At least once every three months, you should change the air filter in your home to keep your Big Bear Heating system running at peak efficiency. If you have one or more pets, you should increase the frequency of air filter changes to at least every 60 days.
Use the Sun
If you open your blinds each morning, you’re on the right track. The sun’s warm rays can make it easier for your furnace to do its job, especially in the wintertime, when the sun is lower than the brightest summer months.
Invest in a Tune-Up
Like most systems in a house, your HVAC setup needs regular maintenance. Schedule an annual tune-up to pinpoint any issues before they become more serious.
Consider High-Efficiency
Today’s furnaces are built to operate more efficiently than previous generations. If you’re in the market for a New Furnace Installation, consider making the switch to one that offers features like two-stage heating and a variable-speed blower.
Buy a Programmable Thermostat
Unless you’re home 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, your home doesn’t need to be kept at a comfortable temperature around the clock. A programmable thermostat can be set to reduce its temperature when everyone’s away, then warm back up an hour or so before the first person returns each day.
Close Your Fireplace Damper
Even if you’re using your fireplace every day, make sure you close the damper when you extinguish the fire. A great deal of heat can escape through an open chimney.
Close Off Unused Rooms
If you have rooms in your home that are rarely used, some find heat savings by closing the vents and doors to those rooms. However, before going this route, check with a heating and air technician, since blocking airflow in this way can damage some types of Big Bear HVAC systems.
Limit Exhaust Fan Use
If you’ve ever forgotten to turn off the exhaust fan in your bathroom, you aren’t alone. In fact, it’s a very common mistake. But exhaust fans can consume energy, especially if you’re leaving them on for hours each day. Set a timer on your phone or invest in a bathroom fan timer to make it automatic.
Saving electricity can provide a big relief to your monthly household budget. Even a few small changes can make a big difference. By making these adjustments, you’ll not only be able to save money, but you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing that you’re helping the environment.
If you’re hoping to save money on your heating bills this winter, we can help. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Heating
