5 Energy-Saving Tips for Keeping Heating Bills Low in New Bern, NC
No one likes paying massive heating bills, especially if it’s possible to stay comfortable while paying less. As a resident of New Bern, NC , you may unknowingly have adopted habits that are pushing up your heating bills. Luckily, these five actions can just as easily lower them.
Replace Your Air Filters
As your heater does its work, it’s bound to pull in plenty of polluted air. The system’s filters remove pollutants before releasing that air back into your home. After enough time, filth will accumulate on the filter and lessen its ability to trap particles.
But dirty filters can do far more harm than simply decreasing your indoor air quality. The dust, smoke, pollen and other gunk gathered on your filter can prevent air from flowing efficiently through your heating system. That decreases the effectiveness with which the system heats your home.
In reaction to this, your heating system may work harder, trying to force more warm air into your home. This makes the system use more energy, causing your heating bills to skyrocket. We recommend that you change your filters at least once every three months — and more often if the manufacturer recommends it or you have pets.
Never Forget About Heating Maintenance
The list of reasons for an overworked heating system includes the little ones that you don’t always notice. Simple things like rusty screws, loose fan blades and iffy electrical connections won’t require repairs right away, but they can cause unnecessary stress on the system. That’s why scheduling regular heating maintenance is so important.
At J & J Mechanical, Inc., we recommend having a trained service technician maintain your heating system at least once a year. When they tune up your system, they’ll find subtle issues and catch hidden problems before they become unmanageable. A service technician can keep your system as efficient as possible and your bills as low as possible.
Don’t Keep an Old System Around Too Long
A critical part of keeping your heating bills low is understanding when your system is beyond fixing. Once your system is more than 20 years old, the need for repairs can increase so much that fixing it will no longer be worth it. At that point, it’s best to cut your losses and install a newer and more efficient system that will save you money on your heating bills.
Use Your Thermostat Better
Developing a few good thermostat habits can save you quite a lot of money on energy over time. First, we recommend finding the lowest temperature that you’re comfortable with and setting your thermostat there. This way, you’ll ensure that your system uses only the minimum amount of energy required.
Next, set your thermostat to work only in those rooms and during those hours of the day when you absolutely know you’ll need heating. If you don’t already have one, get a programmable thermostat. These devices will be able to alter heating patterns in your home based on data about your behavior, thus maximizing efficiency.
Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home
If you have any holes or gaps, however small, in either your ductwork or your home’s walls, at least some heat will be able to escape. This forces your heating system to work harder. If you seal the holes in your ducts and install some insulation in the attic, basement and around doors and windows, your heating bills may plummet.
As you can see from what we’ve said above, inaction is one of the main reasons people overpay for heating. By adopting a few responsible habits and trusting the professionals, you can end up paying much less to warm your home in New Bern, NC. Call our team at J & J Mechanical, Inc. and ask for our heating services to start enjoying this great benefit this fall.
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