The holiday season is now in full swing. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Christmas decorations have been in stores for weeks now. We all know that this season can get expensive. From throwing holiday parties and buying new decorations, to getting gifts for loved ones, it all adds up pretty quick. If you are looking for easy ways to make the holiday season a little less hard on your wallet, keep in mind these energy saving tips for your HVAC system. Remember, your air conditioning and heating system is the biggest energy consumer in your home. Making a few small changes to how your system operates can have a significant impact on your savings!
Here are tips to help you save money on heating your home this holiday season.
Indoors or Outdoors
Holiday parties may be the best part of Christmas, but constantly going in and out of your home can lower the efficiency of your HVAC system. If you are hosting a holiday party this season, make it an indoor or outdoor party. Pick one or the other. The stream of air from opening doors can increase heating demand, resulting in longer run times of your system and a higher utility bill.
Winterize You Home
To ensure that cold air is not getting into your home and warm air is not getting out, caulk and weather strip doors and windows. Also, seal air leaks around chimneys, in unfinished spaces behind closets and cabinets, and areas in the basement. By doing this, you should see immediate savings!
Get Cozy
Don’t take off your warm sweater when you get home. Instead, wear it inside and turn your thermostat down a little. For every degree you lower your thermostat, in the 60 – 70 degree range, you can save 5 percent on your heating costs.
Turn on Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans in your home or apartment use them to your advantage to have more control over ventilation. During the winter months, switching your ceiling fans to run clockwise will trap heat inside. Turn ceiling fans on a low setting to push the hot air that rises back down.
Make Adjustments Based on Holiday Plans
If you are planning on visiting family out of town or traveling this holiday season, turn your thermostat down to 55 degrees. Turning your thermostat down while you are away for extended periods can cut your heating bill down 5 – 20 percent!
Upgrade Your Thermostat
Consider upgrading your home system to one that can adjust the thermostat for you or one you can adjust yourself from your smart phone when you are not home. Programmable and Wi-Fi thermostats optimize your energy savings by only heating your home when you are there or are awake to enjoy it.
Have questions? Ask the experts at Advance Mechanical!
The expert technicians at Advance Mechanical have provided regular HVAC maintenance, replacement and installation for home and business owners all over eastern North Carolina. Our friendly, professional staff services ALL makes and models and we are a certified Trane Dealer. If you want to learn more about upgrading, maintaining or replacing your HVAC system, call us today at (252) 355-9191 or visit us online through our website AdvanceMechnc.com