As winter approaches, you can look forward to holiday fun and festivities, but also the return of higher energy bills. With the right measures in place, though, you can enjoy a cozy, comfortable winter without digging deep into your pockets to pay for electricity. Here are five energy-saving tips that may help you lower your utility bill in Columbus, GA.
1. Change the Direction of Your Fan’s Rotation
Your ceiling fans are not only crucial in cooling your home but can also be used to warm it. The blades of these fans are usually tilted in a certain direction, and when you turn the fan on in summer, they rotate counterclockwise to circulate cool air and push out the warmer air in your space.
Reversing the direction of these blades so that they rotate clockwise reverses the cooling mechanism of the fan. In this mode, the fans suck in the cold air in the room and drive down warm air. Utilizing this strategy helps warm your home efficiently and may drive down your energy costs by up to 10% since you will rarely need to ramp your thermostat setting to achieve the desired temperature.
2. Replace Dirty Air Filters in Your HVAC System
Dirty air filters may not seem a cause of concern since they rarely cause any major problems in your HVAC system, but they may increase your energy bill. When your heating system has clogged air filters, it will need to work even harder to warm your home.
Most of the time, this will be in terms of the amount of power it will need or how long you have to keep it on. Replacing air filters ensures that your system works efficiently and at optimal capacity, which can reduce your power bill. Check, clean, and replace worn-out filters every month, especially in winter when there is heavy usage.
3. Fix Drafty Doors and Windows
The draft may cause your home to lose about 15% of its heat. This will, in turn, necessitate keeping your HVAC system on for longer to replace the “escaped” heat. Draft-proofing your home or keeping the drafts at a minimum helps cut down on the bill by reducing the time you have to keep your heating system on.
First, inspect potential areas in your house where heat may be escaping from, such as doors, windows, the attic, and the basement. Once you have found them, use an appropriate draft-proofing method to keep the chilly air out. You can weather-strip your doors and windows or use adhesive foam. If you are in doubt, contact a qualified HVAC professional for advice on the best way to draft-proof of your home.
4. Take Advantage of the Natural Elements
Of course, most of the cold in winter is a result of natural elements, but the same elements can be crucial in warming your home. Windows are major culprits in letting in cold air; however, on sunny days, they may play an instrumental role in warming your home. Open your drapes and curtains to let the sun naturally heat your home. This can especially be impactful with south-facing windows where the sunlight is intense. Additionally, use thermal curtains that can insulate your home and help keep the heat in.
5. Get a Professional Home Energy Audit
If your energy bills are still higher than expected even after implementing the measures mentioned above, it’s advisable to get a professional home energy audit. An HVAC expert can come and do a thorough job of auditing your energy usage and areas where your home may be losing energy. Consequently, they may suggest repairs or upgrades that you need to make to save on your winter heating bill.
We Can Help You Save on Energy This Winter
Saving energy is the best way to ensure that you and your loved ones stay comfortable and cozy without worrying about the energy bill. Looking to save on energy this winter? At DNA Heating & Air, we have a qualified team of NATE-certified technicians who can identify and address any issues that may be increasing your energy bill. We also provide heating and cooling installations and repairs for residential and commercial customers. You can count on us for duct cleaning and indoor air quality services, too.
Contact us at DNA Heating & Air for more tips to save on winter heating!
