While Texas is most often associated with hot, sunny weather, it isn’t always warm and toasty in the Lone Star State. During the winter months, it can become quite chilly in areas like Flower Mound as well as the rest of the state. This means that relying on your home’s heating system will often be necessary to keep your living space comfortable. However, if your heater runs constantly, your monthly electricity bills can start to add up. That said, you should never have to sacrifice your comfort to save money on energy costs. Fortunately, you can take several simple steps to ensure that you maintain a warm home this winter without breaking the bank. This article will look at the five most effective ways to save money when the weather in Texas is at its coldest.
1. Schedule Professional Heating System Maintenance
If you haven’t had your heating system serviced in a while, the beginning of winter is an excellent time to schedule a professional heating tune-up. Our skilled HVAC technicians at Honest Home Services LLC offer comprehensive furnace maintenance, which can offer numerous benefits for your household.
Over time, your heating system and its many components develop wear and tear. After a while, this can start to negatively impact the performance of your heater. Scheduling regular heating tune-ups, though, will go a long way toward counteracting this wear and tear. During the service, our team will thoroughly inspect your heater, clean its internal components, lubricate moving parts, and tighten loose electrical connections. Before leaving, they will also recalibrate your system and run tests to ensure it performs smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, our technician will check to determine if any of your heater’s components need to be repaired or replaced, such as a worn fan belt.
Professional heating maintenance will not only improve the safety and performance of your heating system, but it will also allow it to operate more efficiently. This will help to reduce your monthly energy bills without needing to cut down on heater use.
2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
You may be able to save money on heating costs this winter by adjusting the settings of your thermostat. Many homeowners opt to keep their thermostats set to the same temperature all day and night. However, this usually isn’t necessary, and it can contribute to significantly higher energy bills.
One way to optimize your thermostat settings is to lower the temperature every night when you go to bed and during the day when everyone is at work or school. This will reduce your heating system’s energy use for around eight hours every night and during the day, which can make a real difference.
Consider updating to a programable thermostat if you do not have one already. They allow you to set a heating schedule and avoid the hassle of adjusting the temperature manually at night or when you leave for work. In addition, you can set it so that your home is at a comfortable temperature when you wake in the morning and when everyone arrives home in the evening.
A smart thermostat offers even more convenience and energy-saving features. Advanced models learn your family’s routine and make energy-saving adjustments without you having to update your family’s schedule constantly. Alternatively, other models incorporate geofencing. They detect when your family is away from home and automatically adjust the temperature to save energy. This type is beneficial for households with erratic schedules. Many apps that come with smart thermostats also provide energy reports and offer energy-saving tips.
3. Invest in Quality Insulation
Keeping your home properly insulated is another crucial part of maximizing your heating system’s energy efficiency. Insulation plays an essential role in keeping warm air inside your home. The less heat escapes your living space, the less work your heater must do to keep you and your family comfortable.
One effective place to install insulation is in the attic. Since warm air naturally rises, a lack of insulation in this area can result in significant heat loss from the top of your home. Adding insulation in your basement and crawl spaces is another smart move, as it helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the house. Among the various insulation types, rigid foam board insulation provides excellent thermal resistance, though it can be more expensive to install. If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option, cellulose insulation offers great performance at a lower cost and is an environmentally friendly choice.
4. Have Your Ductwork Inspected and Cleaned
Dirty and leaky air ducts are common causes of wasted energy during the winter. The ductwork in your home is responsible for circulating the warm air that’s produced by your heating system. However, if those ducts become obstructed or damaged, it hampers your HVAC system’s ability to circulate air. During the winter, this puts extra strain on your heating system, negatively impacting its energy efficiency, heating performance, and overall longevity. Unfortunately, because air ducts tend to accumulate dust, dirt, debris, and other contaminants over time, this is a frequent occurrence in Texas homes.
The good news is that you can avoid ductwork-related issues by getting your air ducts professionally cleaned and inspected every couple of years. During this service, our technician will clear any contaminants and obstructions inside the ducts. They’ll also search for any leaks that may be allowing warm air to escape. In addition to saving you money on heating costs, duct cleaning will improve your indoor air quality and freshen the scent of your home.
5. Seal Air Leaks in Your Home
Even if you aren’t currently aware of them, there could be significant air leaks in your house. These leaks, which most commonly form around the edges of windows and doorways, can allow quite a lot of heat to escape your home. This not only reduces your comfort but also forces your heating system to work harder to do its job. This has a direct impact on your monthly energy costs during the winter months.
You can locate air leaks in your home by inspecting all of your doors and windows. Some leaks will be too small to see with the naked eye, but you should be able to feel air movement by slowly moving your hand around the area. If you find leaks, you can usually seal them with some caulking and weather stripping, both of which can be purchased from your local hardware store.
Expert Heating Professionals in Flower Mound
At Honest Home Services LLC, we are a company built on trust, honesty, and genuine care. We proudly provide many expert services to residents of the greater Flower Mound area, including heating, air conditioning, plumbing, indoor air quality, ventilation, duct cleaning, humidification, and dehumidification services. When you contact our company, you choose a team that truly cares about your comfort and well-being. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Honest Home Services LLC today!
