Reducing the amount of heat your system must produce to keep your home comfortable leads to improved energy efficiency. Not only does lowering your heating load help you stay warm and cozy during the harsh Minnesota winter, but it also produces savings on your utility bills. Here are some great ways to make sure your home gives you the most bang for your energy buck:
Seal leaks: Sealing air leaks around windows and doors, at entry points for plumbing, wiring and vents, and in areas where building materials meet, will prevent heated air from escaping and can immediately lower the heating load on your system. Depending on the type of air leak, use caulk, weatherstripping or expanding spray foam. Cover any gaps or holes in air ducts with mastic sealant or metal tape, rather than duct tape.- Energy Star: To save money over the long haul, consider buying energy-using or related products that have an Energy Star certification. This guidelines covers everything from windows to hot water heaters to furnaces. In order to achieve Energy Star certification, a product must meet rigorous energy-efficiency and performance standards.
- Insulation: Increasing the amount of insulation in your home also reduces the heating load. This is especially effective in the attic, where much of the potential heat loss can occur in a typical home.
- Programmable thermostat: A short-term investment in a programmable thermostat leads to a reduced heating load over the long term. Program the settings for a lower temperature when no one is home or when everyone is asleep. As with most of these tips, this also will save you money on cooling in the summer.
- Drapes: A very simple way to increase your heating efficiency is to leave your drapes open in the winter when the sun is shining, especially on the side of the house where the sun is shining. The sun’s rays help warm the house. Remember to close them after sunset, since they help insulate the home at night.
For more information on lowering your heating load or other issues related to home comfort, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We have served the Twin Cities metro area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heating loads and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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