The cool air, turning leaves, and the arrival of apple cider at the store mean that autumn’s official start is around the corner. At home, this seasonal change can quickly translate into higher energy bills.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to lower these costs. Staying comfortable in the home—at an affordable rate—is relatively easy when you opt for energy-efficient solutions.
Schedule the Heating Tune-Up
This time of year, the biggest energy bills for the home-related to heating. In order to get the best efficiency rating for the furnace, it needs to be able to run smoothly. Any problems during this season can be a real issue for the overall costs. But you can catch issues early on by scheduling the heating tune-up.
The service helps ensure that all of the system’s components are within the normal operating range. That way, if any part is having trouble, you can have the option to be proactive for a repair or replacement. And this could save you a service call down the road.
Annual Maintenance Plans
A quick visit from the local HVAC company can help avoid that inconvenience before the cold snap At LCS Heating & Cooling, LCS offers annual maintenance plans to help keep service and energy costs low year-round. Getting notified of any potential problems lets you stay up-to-date on the furnace’s needs.
When you look ahead to winter, no one wants to be caught without heat. A quick visit from the local HVAC company can help you avoid that inconvenience before the cold snap.
Other Home Efficiency Tips for Fall
Once the furnace is in order, you can still work to lower costs in other ways. Adding these efficiency tips to the mix can help you finish the year with extra energy savings. Try them all for the biggest benefits, or just stick to a few to get the ball rolling.
1. Change the air filter
LCS always recommend preventative maintenance to prep the home. But if you do nothing else this season, replace the air filter. It’s important to swap out the 1-inch air filter every 1-2 months. (The larger 4 to 5-inch media filters can last for 6-12 months.) This simple step goes a long way for the unit’s overall efficiency. A dirty filter can put a lot of strain on the heating unit and make it harder for the warm air to circulate through the home.
2. Warm up with the sun
The days and nights are getting colder, but the sun is still shining. Make the most of sunny days by opening the curtains to let this natural heat inside. South-facing windows tend to have the most impact. Just keep the curtains closed when the sun is set to hold in the warmth, then pull them back in the morning to create some sunny spots. This will help boost the home’s temperature. Plus, it gives the dog or cat a great place to nap!
3. Adopt a smart thermostat
A smart thermostat is even better because one can control the home’s settings right from the phone When you want to go above and beyond for the home energy savings, a new thermostat can be a real winner. A programmable thermostat is a great investment because it lets you set schedules for the heating and cooling programs. You’ll get more efficient ratings, for instance, when you tell the heat to drop slightly in the evening, or when you’re away at work. A smart thermostat is even better because you can control the home’s settings right from the phone.
4. Grab some free LED bulbs
Changing the old lightbulbs to LED versions is a fantastic way to cut costs on the energy bills because they use up to 66% less energy. They even last over 20 times longer than standard bulbs. The best part about these updates? You can get LEDs for free! The Free LED Program from Duke Energy will ship bulbs right to the home. The potential savings could be upwards of $100, so there’s no reason to pass up this deal.
5. Watch for home air leaks
Feeling a cold air draft around the windows or outside doors indicates a heating leak. Don’t let these spots add to the energy bill. Adding fresh caulk around these borders or replacing the weatherstripping can prevent the home’s heat from escaping. The other thing to check is the fireplace damper. Make sure to always keep this closed when the fireplace isn’t in use. Accidently leaving it open is just another way to lower the indoor temperature.
