As if the cold and snow in the Twin Cities area weren’t enough to deal with, many homeowners wonder how they’ll be managing energy bills when the thermometer drops. Your home heating bill is likely the most money you spend on any of your utilities, and employing these tips can help you reduce costs without sacrificing comfort.
Heating Equipment
Have your heating system serviced each year. The HVAC professionals know how to bring it back to factory standards that will improve energy efficiency. Not only will this lower heating costs, it will make the system safer. The technician will ch
eck all gas connections, the venting and flue, the blower, burners and heat exchanger, and other parts of the furnace to ensure safe and efficient operation.
The technician will inspect the ductwork as well. Even small leaks can contribute to high energy bills and poor indoor air quality. If you use any vented gas appliances, the leaks can also pull CO into your home. Another important tip to managing energy bills is keeping the air filter for the furnace clean. Check it monthly and replace it promptly when it’s dirty.
Water Heating
Water coming into your home in the winter is cold, which means that the water heater takes more energy to run. Turning the temperature down to 120 degrees F helps with managing energy bills, as does wrapping an insulating jacket around the appliance if it’s an older model. If yours is gas, you might want the help of a plumber to make sure it’s properly vented.
Windows, Air Infiltration and Insulation
Before hanging storm windows, seal all the gaps and cracks around the window frames. They allow air leaks that raise your heating bills. Use heavy drapes to keep the heat from your home escaping through the glass, but open the drapes on sunny days to take advantage of passive solar heating. Exterior doors often have air leaks that fresh weatherstripping can seal, as well as door sweeps or draft blockers. Check your attic for adequate insulation and air sealing, since heat energy and warmed air can transfer into your attic from the downstairs living spaces, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to compensate.
To learn more about managing energy bills, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve provided outstanding HVAC services for Twin Cities homeowners 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 energy savings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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