Winter HVAC: 6 Energy Saving Tips You Need to Know

Each year, as fall slowly but surely turns to winter, it’s tempting to simply keep turning up the thermostat to keep your home comfortable. It’s easy and it gets the job done. But as temperatures change from cool to frigid, that easy comfort can cost you in the form of high energy bills. Happily, there’s a solution—a set of energy saving tips, each of which involves a reasonable amount of effort in the form of a onetime project or some seasonal maintenance. And here they are: six simple ways to help you cut heating costs without sacrificing comfort.

1. Regular Maintenance

One of the most important steps you can take to ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently and effectively throughout the winter—thus leading to a lower electric bill or gas bill—is regular maintenance. Scheduling a professional inspection with your local HVAC maintenance services firm is an easy way to identify potential issues before they become costly bills or repair fees. A technician will be able to check your system for any needed fixes, clean its components, and make any adjustments to ensure your HVAC system’s performance is as good as it can be.

2. Programmable Thermostat

Using a programmable thermostat is one of our favorite energy saving tips, an investment in your home that pays off quickly. By optimizing your heating schedule, you can ensure your home is warm when you need it to be and cooler when personal comfort is less of a priority. For example, setting your thermostat to lower the temperature by a few degrees during the night (when you’re snug under the covers) or while you’re at work can lead to significant savings.

Tips for setting your thermostat:

• During the day, while you’re at home, keep the temperature around 68°F.
• Lower the temperature by 5-10°F at night or when you’re away for an extended period.
• Consider setting different temperatures for weekdays and weekends to match your different routines.

3. Seal Leaks and Insulate

Did you know that drafts around windows and doors can account for a significant portion of heat loss in your home? Sealing these leaks with weatherstripping or caulking is another of our favorite energy saving tips, because it can have such a dramatic impact on your home’s ability to retain heat without involving too much effort—or money. Additionally, ensuring your home is well-insulated will help keep the warmth in and the cold out, reducing the strain on your HVAC.

Where to check for leaks:

• Windows and doors, especially around the frames.
• Gaps around electrical outlets or plumbing.
• Attic hatches and around your HVAC ductwork.

4. Change Air Filters Regularly

A clean air filter is essential for maintaining your HVAC system’s efficiency. When filters become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, your system has to work harder to push air through them, which can increase energy consumption and reduce the overall effectiveness of your heating.

How often should you change your air filter?

• Every one to three months is typically recommended, especially during the winter when the system is running more often.
• If you have pets or allergies, you may want to change the filter more frequently.

Not comfortable taking this on yourself? Never fear. A qualified HVAC maintenance services firm can come out and take care of an essential job like this with no muss or fuss. But however you choose to do it, changing your filters regularly ensures that your HVAC system can run smoothly and efficiently—improving indoor air quality, preventing costly damage, and keeping you cozy.

5. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely

We’re especially proud of this, the fifth of our energy saving tips. To wit, ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off during the summer; they can also be a helpful tool for redistributing warm air in the winter. By reversing the direction of your ceiling fan blades, you can push the warm air—which naturally collects near the ceiling—back down into the living space. This can make the room feel noticeably warmer, thus allowing you to lower the thermostat by a degree or two.

How to reverse your ceiling fan direction:

• Look for a small switch on the motor housing of your fan.
• Flip the switch to change the direction of the blades (you want clockwise for winter).
• Run the fan on a low setting to circulate warm air evenly without creating a breeze.

6. Optimize Heating Zones

If you have a zoned heating system, you’re already way ahead of the game in terms of energy saving tips. Zoning allows you to heat only the areas of your home that are in use, rather than heating your entire house at once. Talk about a chance to have a lower electric bill or gas bill!

How to optimize your heating zones:

• Close vents in rooms that are rarely used (like guest bedrooms or hallways).
• Use thermostats or temperature controls in each zone to adjust temperatures according to your needs.
• In areas of the home that tend to get colder, consider using space heaters or adding extra insulation to help keep the warmth where it’s needed most—inside your house.

Think Big, Start Small

You can’t stop winter from coming, but you can stop higher energy bills. Whether you start with regular maintenance, a programmable thermostat, or something as simple as changing your furnace’s air filters, even a small change can make a big difference in your overall heating costs. Simply follow these six energy saving tips, and you can easily improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating system, reduce energy consumption, and enjoy a more comfortable and cost-effective winter. And always remember, if you don’t feel like tackling some winter-related HVAC project by yourself, the HVAC maintenance services professionals at Holtzople Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical Services are always standing by ready to help!