Did you know your furnace can consume over 30% of the energy used in your home? That’s why finding ways to reduce energy consumption is not only great for the health of the planet and your HVAC system, but also of your wallet. Here are some tips to maximize efficiency and how much energy or money you can save with each:
Invest in Energy Star Certified Furnaces
When the time comes for a furnace replacement, consider upgrading to an ENERGY STAR natural gas furnace which can help you save up to 16% more energy compared to standard gas furnaces.
Potential Savings: Save up to $94 annually.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Smart and programmable thermostats allow you to set temperature schedules that optimize energy usage. Set your thermostat to 68 F during the day when you’re home, and lower it by 8 F while you’re away or sleeping during the cold season.
Potential Savings: Save up to $180 annually.
Schedule Seasonal HVAC Maintenance
Pre-season tune ups are great for boosting your system’s lifespan and efficiency, which means energy and money savings in the long run. Additionally, regular maintenance is essential to ensure the safe operation of your HVAC system. Ideally, you should have your heating system checked in the fall, and your cooling system in the spring.
Potential Savings: Save up to 10% in costs.
Replace your Filters Regularly
Clean filters help reduce strain on your furnace and contribute to circulating fresh air more efficiently. You don’t want dust and other particles clogging your system and leading to expensive repairs. Pleated filters do a better job than standard filters at trapping particles and improving indoor air quality.
Savings: Save up to 2% energy.
Improve Home Insulation and Seal Air Leaks
From insulating crawl spaces to weatherstripping windows, you can prevent drafts and heat loss to make sure your heating system doesn’t work too hard.
Potential Savings: Save between 10 - 30% on energy costs annually.
Install Energy Efficient Windows
Although a more pricey investment, ENERGY STAR certified windows reduce drafts and help maintain an even distribution of warm air inside your space.
Potential Savings: Save between 7 - 15% on annual energy costs.
Seal Air Ducts
Properly insulating your HVAC ductwork ensures that warm air makes it into your rooms instead of escaping along the way.
Potential Savings: Save up to 20% energy annually.
You can start small by tackling the tasks that fit your budget or make multiple improvements at once. Either way, once you are ready to upgrade your heating system for an energy efficient one, install a programmable thermostat, or schedule your routine HVAC maintenance, remember that we’re here to help. Reach out to us to get started!
Comments