A home that’s too hot or cool isn’t just inconvenient and uncomfortable but can cost you big time. To avoid this, here are some tips and tactics that will be better for you and your bank balance whether it’s the height of summer or the depths of winter.
Getting Your Furnace Serviced Regularly
It’s important to keep your furnace in optimal working condition. This means getting it serviced regularly by trusted professionals. It’s a good idea to look for a reputable local furnace maintenance firm, such as one offering heating services in Auburn. Having your furnace inspected and cleaned before the onset of cold weather can save you from unexpected breakdowns when you need heat the most.
Regular service ensures that any minor issues are detected early and addressed immediately before they become major problems. It also improves the efficiency of your heating system, which translates into reduced energy consumption and lowers utility bills. Put simply, preventive maintenance is always less costly than emergency repairs or replacements.
Keeping Tabs on Your Thermostat
source: pinterest.com
Monitoring and regulating your thermostat is a must if you want to keep indoor areas at the desired temperature.
It is important to program the thermostat settings according to seasonal changes and different times of day, rather than leaving it on auto and keeping your fingers crossed.
This is as much about cutting costs as anything else. Even lowering the thermostat by just one degree during winter months can result in noticeable energy savings without sacrificing comfort levels.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat which you can control remotely also makes sense. That way you can avoid heating or cooling your home when it’s unoccupied, and even turn the system on when you’re on your way home so that the temperature is just right as you walk in the door.
Insulating Your Home Properly
source: pinterest.com
Insulation plays a major role in maintaining an ideal temperature inside your home throughout the year. It works by reducing heat loss during winters and minimizing heat gain in summers, ensuring balanced temperatures indoors. Each type of insulation offers unique benefits:
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is one of the most popular and economical forms of insulation, providing excellent thermal resistance.
- Cellulose: Known as one of the best eco-friendly insulation options, is made from recycled materials like newspapers. It’s great for enclosed existing walls or open new wall cavities.
- Spray Foam Insulation: Offering a high R-value (a measure of thermal resistance), spray foam expands to fit into small spaces creating an effective air barrier.
- Mineral Wool: This insulation resists fire while offering soundproofing alongside its insulative properties.
Choosing optimal insulators based on your home’s specific needs and structure means you can significantly reduce energy consumption and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures all year round.
Embracing Energy-Efficient Appliances
source: pinterest.com
Incorporating energy-efficient appliances in your home is another effective way to maintain ideal temperatures while saving money. These devices are designed to use less power, reducing both unnecessary energy loss and environmental impact.
Start by replacing older models of key systems, like HVAC units or water heaters, with their energy-efficient counterparts. Also, swap out incandescent light bulbs for LED lights that generate less heat and last longer. And don’t forget about home electronics, as they too can consume a lot of electricity when left on standby mode, while disrupting the temperature of interior spaces in unexpected ways.
Lastly, invest in ENERGY STAR rated appliances for the best results. These products meet strict guidelines set by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regarding energy efficiency. Combining efficiency initiatives across various household devices could see an impressive drop in your utility bills.
Maximizing the Impact of Curtains and Blinds
Curtains and blinds serve more than a decorative function, as they’re great tools for controlling the temperature in your home.
source: pinterest.com
During summer months, closed window coverings block out harsh sunlight, protecting your interior from overheating. In winter, however, allowing daylight to stream through can supplement your heating system.
Investing in thermal or blackout curtains can offer even greater control over indoor temperatures throughout the year. These will not only help keep warmth inside during chilly weather but also insulate against heat and sun rays in hotter months.
Moreover, consider blinds with adjustable slats. That way you can tweak how much sunlight gets into each room depending on its orientation towards the sun’s path across the sky during different seasons and times of day.
With just simple adjustments now and then, you’ll effectively reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems.
Final Thoughts
The last point about your home’s HVAC setup and your temperature control strategies is that experts are always on hand to help. If you’ve tried everything and you’re still not seeing improvements, call in the pros for more guidance.
