Heating is the biggest part of your home’s energy costs. Homeowners spend up to 65 percent of their energy bill on heating and cooling their spaces. You can reduce your energy usage and consequently your energy bills by operating your air conditioners and furnaces in Prince George at peak efficiency. Here are a few tips to help you reduce the cost of heating in Prince George.
Maintain Your Furnace
Combine simple do-it-yourself tasks with an annual inspection to keep your furnace working safely and reliably at all times.
For people with furnaces in Prince George, it is important to schedule annual maintenance and inspection of these units by qualified professionals. The contractor you hire to inspect your furnace should lubricate the fan, pump and motor bearings, inspect gas pressure on the unit, check the fan system, carry out carbon monoxide tests, and check all the filters, as well as electrical and mechanical connections.
It is also important to change and clean the furnace filter every few months. Dirty air filters reduce airflow and make furnaces in Prince George run longer, which increases energy bills. Ensure that vents are clean and unhindered by furniture or carpets. When vents are free, your furnace will be more efficient.
Manage Your Thermostat
If you are looking to reduce the cost of heating in Prince George, you should install and use a programmable thermostat to automatically cool or warm your home only when necessary. You should also keep the furnace fan on to assist in circulating air through your home. Picking the right location for your thermostat and programming it properly can help you enjoy energy savings.
How Much Can You Save?
Heating and cooling makes up 65 percent of your energy costs. By properly installing and programming your thermostat, you can save a lot of money annually on energy costs. During the summer, raise the thermostat while you are out and program the cooling to begin just before you return home. During the winter, lower your home’s temperature by just 1 degree over an eight-hour period and you can reduce your heating bill.
Prevent Air Leakage
Weather stripping and caulking keeps your heating bills under control and your home comfortable. Inspect doors and windows for gaps that allow hot air out and cold air in. Caulking and weather stripping are cheap and easy tasks you can do on your own.
Other Ways to Save
Other ways through which you can reduce your heating costs include sealing the seams of the heating ducts using aluminum foil tape to guarantee that more hot air gets to its destination.
Also, if you have a fireplace, install glass doors or close the damper to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Depending on the condition and age of your windows, insulation and furnace, you might want to consider replacing them. You can significantly reduce the cost of heating in Prince George by investing in home improvements. Replacing your old furnace with a high efficiency unit can make your home more comfortable to live in and reduce your heating costs.