No matter what type of heating system you use during the Decatur, AL winter, you’ll probably want some tips on how to keep your system as efficient as possible. Not only does this lower your energy bill, but keeping your system efficient also reduces breakdowns and wear, which can also contribute to your overall bill! No one wants their system to break when it’s needed the most.
There are several easy things you can do to help your system work with the least strain possible:
- Fix any air leaks in your home
- Bring in the thermostat
- Unclog or free up any blocked vents
- Monitor your air filter
- Get an inspection and cleaning yearly
- Air leaks in your home that let out warm (or cool air in the summer) can be insidious, but once found, they’re generally very easy to fix. To look for air leaks around your home, start with the obvious places: doors and windows. They’re the most common culprits for letting out heat, and are guilty for letting out a full one-third of your heating! Decatur’s cooler months, window plastic can be used to keep in heat, as the air between your window and the plastic is a great insulator. Door socks are an inexpensive way to eliminate drafts as well.
- Use your thermostat to your heating system’s advantage. Cut down its workload by setting it lower at night, and higher when you’re at home, if you are able. Adjusting your thermostat downward while you’re away can also cut down on the wear of your system. If this sounds tedious and hard, there’s a solution: smart thermostats allow you to program times for temperature adjustments, learn your living patterns, and allow you to remotely adjust the heat in your home.
- Don’t forget to look at your air vents. It’s easy to accidentally block some vents, especially if you have a lot of furniture or other clutter in your home. This can prevent air of the right temperature from reaching you and your thermostat. If your thermostat doesn’t read the proper temperature, it will keep your heating system running for longer than it should, increasing your energy bills and wearing out your system.
- Be sure to check your air filter every three months. There’s a good chance it’ll need to be changed, as the collected dust and other pollutants can block the air flow to your system, forcing it to work harder. Your air filter’s job, after all, is to protect your heating system! Air filters are inexpensive and easy to replace on most systems, and it’s a good idea to buy them in bulk, as this will encourage you to change them often.
- Get your yearly inspection done, preferably in the spring or the fall, when your HVAC company won’t be as busy with repairs or replacements. These inexpensive inspections and cleanings will help your system run at its best, and catch any potential problems before they become larger, more expensive issues.
If you do experience any issues with your heating system, or are looking to upgrade to a new, more efficient one, let us know at Southeastern Mechanical Services today. We’re here to help with your Decatur-area heating and cooling needs all year long.
