With chilly days right around the corner, you’ll likely be firing up your furnace or boiler to get your home comfortable. Unfortunately, the cost of utilities, including natural gas and electricity, continues to rise.
As a New Jersey Homeowner, it’s important to know ways you can save money on your utility bills!
#5: INSULATE
Whether it be exterior walls or ductwork, insulation is very important when it comes to the efficiency of your heating system. The recommended level of insulation has grown over the past few years and the material itself can deteriorate over time.
With insufficient insulation, your system will have to work much harder to meet temperature. In the winter time, heat will escape into your attic and into the outside air, essentially throwing away the money it took to heat it in the first place.
#4: UPGRADE YOUR THERMOSTAT
Standard thermostats turn your system on or off. By upgrading to a smart thermostat, your system will be taking in more information to ensure your system is working as efficiently as possible. Depending on the thermostat you select, they can put data like outdoor temperature, ductwork size, and even personal preferences to use.
Your HVAC system will be running at tip-top shape and utilizing all the bells and whistles available to you with a smart thermostat. As a bonus, you’ll also be able to control your system from anywhere in the world when you connect the device to the internet.
#3: INSTALL HIGH EFFICIENCY
In a general sense, there are standard efficiency and high efficiency appliances available. The higher the efficiency level, the less energy required to complete its designated function. When it comes to gas-users, we’re mainly talking about furnaces and water heaters. Converting to high efficiency might be a little more expensive than a like-for-like standard efficiency unit, but the savings pay for themselves. Not to mention, when it comes to replacing the system in the future, you’re already ready for another high efficiency unit!
#2: FILL UP YOUR APPLIANCES
Sometimes, you need that extra set of cutlery or that favorite pair of jeans. We’ve all been there. It isn’t the end of the world if you need to run the dishwasher or washing machine. However, we recommend avoiding making this a normal occurrence. Why?
At the end of the day, fully loading hot water using appliances means your water heater won’t need to produce as much to wash dishes or clothes.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Fair warning, you might roll your eyes when reading these honorable mentions. They seem pretty obvious, but it didn’t feel right, not bringing them up.
Turn your thermostat down to a lower temperature.
Normally keep it at 70 degrees? Try to keep it at 68 degrees!
Dress for warmth.
Really embrace those chilly days and break out the sweaters.
Lower the temperature setting on your water heater.
It’s possible that your water heater is producing much hotter water than you are comfortable using.
#1: HEAT MAINTENANCE
Proper HVAC maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to keep your system running safely and efficiently. Clogged filters, uncalibrated thermostats, obstructed flue pipes, oh my! All of these instances will make it difficult for your system to run to the best of its ability.
Luckily, those three examples, along with a number of other potential issues, are generally caught during routine maintenance. Make sure your system is running properly and give it some love!
No Need to Suffer.
Everything is getting more and more expensive. Save some money this winter and use it for something you would enjoy. Thinking about installing high efficiency or completing a heat maintenance this season? Call an HVAC Professional like Rostron Premium Home Services and we’ll get you set up with whatever you need!
