How to Save Money & Energy in Sacramento in 2020
Winter is upon us and you have most likely started using your heating system. While a slight increase in energy costs in winter is permissible, an exponential increase is something to worry about. Many homeowners are quick to blame their heating equipment for their high energy bills. Though there is no denying that many heating systems consume more energy than traditional equipment, homeowners need to understand the impact that their usage habits and patterns have on their heating costs. If your heating costs have increased over the past few years, there is a possibility that you are not using your heating equipment right. Now is the time to make amends! You do not have to be a rocket scientist to figure out ways to keep your energy costs low this winter. Something as simple as changing your usage habits, introducing minor changes in your home, and taking good care of your heating equipment should do the trick. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Leverage the Sun
When it comes to heating our homes, we usually place our trust in heating systems. What we often tend to forget is that there is a natural source of energy that provides free energy. Yes, we are talking about the sun. To use the sun’s energy to heat your home, pull back curtains, and open blinds. Remember to close curtains on the shady side. To prevent warm air from escaping, seal your windows and doors and ductwork. To save on your water heating bills, insulate pipes or install heat traps.
Show Your HVAC System Some Love
Oftentimes, the culprit behind rising energy costs is an under maintained or malfunctioning HVAC. To get the most out of your HVAC system, get it thoroughly inspected by an expert offering HVAC and furnace repair in Sacramento. Ask the expert to check for leaks, inspect the pilot system in the furnace, check and tighten electrical connections, get rid of dirt accumulated in and around the burners, and test the safety of your limit switches. Abide by your maintenance plan for winter.
Periodically Check and Replace Your Filter
A dirty filter can drag down the performance of your HVAC system. The US Department of Energy estimates that changing HVAC filter regularly can help lower energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. To avoid performance and other issues, check and replace your filter at least once every three months.
Use Your Thermostat Wisely
Most homeowners are guilty of frequently changing their thermostat settings. Frequent changes can have a negative impact on the operational efficiency of a thermostat, resulting in energy wastage. To save on heating costs, use a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts temperature. If you do not want to invest in a programmable thermostat, set different temperatures for certain times of the day. If, for instance, you do not plan to return home at night, schedule a setting at a temperature that is lower than usual.
Follow these simple tips to reduce your heating costs this winter. At South Placer Heating and Air, we are committed to helping homeowners get the most out of their heating and cooling equipment. We are your go-to residential furnace repair experts in Sacramento. To talk to one of our experts, call at (916) 246-2089.
