Simple Tips to Reduce Winter Energy Costs
Think Small to Save Big
You may think that you need to add insulation into your home, replace your windows, or replace your HVAC unit. While all these are great ways to make your home more energy efficient, there are things that you can do that won’t cost nearly as much.
For starters, you can install a programmable thermostat. It should be programmed to about 10 degrees lower at night than in the day. When you are toasty under the covers, there is no need for your furnace to work overtime.
The sun also provides powerful warming, even in the winter. Lined drapes are a great way to keep the cold air at bay, but opening curtains in your Kirkland home can help to warm a room. Did you know that the sunshine can increase the temperature in the room anywhere from five to ten degrees?
Another great trick is to turn the registers off in the rooms you are not using. Removing that duct from the equation leaves more air to circulate into other places. Closing off unused spaces will reduce the load on your furnace and allow it to work less.
Seal off any cracks or drafty areas in the home. The most common area for these drafts is by doors and windows. A tube of caulking is just a few dollars, but its impact can save you hundreds.
Is It Time to Replace Your HVAC Unit?
If you’ve made all the necessary adjustments and you still are not seeing a decrease in your energy consumption, then you need to call and schedule an evaluation. It could be that your HVAC unit needs a tune-up, or it may be time to upgrade your HVAC system. There are financing options and specials should you need to repair or replace your unit. Call Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning in Kirkland to schedule an evaluation of your energy usage today.