The transition from fall to winter can happen quickly, with frigid temperatures sneaking up on Pennsylvania and New Jersey homeowners. The Unique Indoor Comfort Team has put together five easy ways to save energy and money during the chilly winter months. Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee or cocoa and read on to learn more!
Stop Cold Air In Its Tracks
No one wants an energy bill that includes paying for “escaped heat”! Keep drafts at bay and save money this winter by keeping drafts to a minimum. Areas to check for escaping heat include the attic, basement, crawlspace, doors, and windows. Weatherstripping is an excellent way to keep warm air in your home and keep the cold air out. There are several types of weather-stripping available at your local hardware store.
Replace Dirty Air Filters
Keep those energy bills lower by replacing dirty air filters. Did you know that dirty air filters reduce your heater’s efficiency and result in higher energy consumption? When your air filter is clogged, airflow is reduced, which causes your HVAC unit to work even harder than usual. Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months such as the winter.
BREATHE DEEP:
Another benefit to clean air filters is better indoor air quality. Clogged filters aren’t able to trap and filter pollutants, causing an increased risk of aggravating allergies and asthma.
Give Your Heating System a Winter Tune-Up
Don’t wait until freezing temperatures hit to make sure your heating system is working properly. Make sure your heating system prepared to weather the winter. Have a professional for Fall HVAC maintenance check your heating system and ensure it’s in ready to work before those temps drop and you turn it on. Regularly servicing your heating system helps you catch problems before expensive breakdowns happen. Regular service also prolongs your heating system’s life and keeps it running more energy and cost efficiently. Wondering what should be checked during your winter tune-up?
Switch the Direction of Ceiling Fan Blades
While we typically think of our ceiling fans as a way to cool a room on hot summer days, ceiling fans can be put to work in the winter as well! Set your fan blades to move clockwise (reverse direction) in winter and run them on the lowest setting. Changing the fan blade direction will draw the cold air up to the ceiling and force warm air down (remember heat rises). Many ceiling fans have a “reverse” option on the remote or a switch on the body of the ceiling fan. This easy change helps heat your home more evenly, allowing you to turn down your thermostat and save energy.
Lower the Temperature on Your Water Heater
Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. On average, hot water heaters account for 15% of home utilities. An easy and no-cost way to save energy is to turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F).
Lowering your water heater’s temperature is just one way to make your water heater energy efficient. Other ways include using less water (no more 30 minutes showers!) and adding insulation to avoid losing “standby heat”. If your water heater is an older model and past its prime, it may be time to invest in a more energy efficient model. Unique Indoor Comfort installs a range of water heaters, from standard units to state-of-the-art, tankless hot water heating systems.
Need a New Heater or Looking to Replace an Old One?
If you are in need of a new heating system, one of our radiant heat systems, including electric, hydronic, and air-based heat, might be right for you.
What Our Customers Are Saying
“Mark did an excellent job in preparing our 3 furnaces / AC systems and air handler for the 2017-2018 winter season. He was professional at all times and presented UIC as a thorough and knowledgeable technician. Mark arrived on time and was well equipped for the job at hand.” Robert M. – September 27, 2017.
Unique Indoor Comfort has proudly been providing “Comfort Without Compromise” since 1967. Whether it’s maintenance and service repair, total system installation, home generators or our Service Plan, our mission is to provide each customer with solutions that will save money and provide unsurpassed comfort. Read more customer reviews here.