As temperatures drop this winter, there’s nothing like a warm, cozy home. Ideally, maintaining that warmth and coziness doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Layers of blankets and sweaters aren’t the only way to keep your heating costs down. Simple seasonal maintenance, system efficiency, and humidity control go a long way toward lowering heating costs. Saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort.
Many people don’t realize that humidity and heating go hand in hand. Moisture-heavy air tends to feel warmer than dry air, and cold air holds little water. This means that even with the thermostat set high, dry air can make your home feel chilly.
Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, making it feel warmer. Humidifiers allow you to lower the thermostat and maintain comfort. Whole-house humidifiers are the best way to leverage this effect and eliminate the need for multiple portable humidifiers.
DFH Company installs Trane whole-home humidifiers that work with all furnace models to add moisture to homes up to 4,000 square feet. Automatic control makes them an effortless way to improve the comfort of your home, even beyond perceived temperature. Whole-home humidifiers reduce static and respiratory illness, and even protect wooden floors and furniture.
One of the simplest ways to save on heating costs this winter is to maintain your furnace filter. As the furnace runs, the filter accumulates dust and debris. When it builds up, especially with heavy use, it restricts airflow and harms your furnace’s efficiency. To compensate for reduced airflow, your furnace has to run longer. As a result, heating bills increase.
During the winter, we recommend changing or cleaning your filters every 1-3 months. Clear filters not only lower your heating bills, but also reduce the stress on your furnace. Regular care like this goes a long way toward maximizing your furnace's lifespan, especially during heavy wintertime use.
Changing or cleaning your furnace filter regularly is one of the simplest but most impactful energy-saving habits. You can take care of it yourself or schedule a professional technician to perform regular seasonal maintenance.
Another essential item on the winter HVAC checklist is preventative maintenance. Heating efficiency is key to winter energy savings. Regularly inspecting and servicing your furnace is the best way to keep it efficient.
Cleaning burners, checking airflow, calibrating components, and other regular furnace maintenance checks improve performance and help prevent breakdowns. DFH Company’s expert HVAC technicians spot issues early on. Taking care of them right away prevents them from snowballing into larger and costlier problems.
Transform your furnace’s efficiency by contacting DFH. Scheduling seasonal HVAC maintenance with our experts is the best way to keep your system at its best this winter.
Drafts and poor insulation are common culprits of heat loss, which increases furnace runtime. Sealing air leaks and improving insulation improves indoor comfort and helps save on heating costs.
Ill-fitting windows and doors are frequently the cause of drafts in the home. Adding weather stripping, or even installing thick drapes or shades, eliminates gaps that let heat out and cold in.
Attics and basements often contribute to heat loss as well. Seal any cracks and add insulation to help retain heat in your home. The Department of Energy is a great resource for more detailed instructions and other home heating energy-saving tips.
Reducing heat loss reduces the strain on your furnace to maintain comfortable temperatures. In the short term, that means using less energy; in the long term, it means a longer furnace lifespan. From both vantage points, you save money.
Outdated furnaces can hinder efficient heating and comfort. Older models struggle to heat homes evenly, leaving some rooms cold while others are hot and stuffy. Investing in a new high-efficiency Trane furnace eliminates these issues and lowers monthly heating bills.
Trane furnaces use variable-speed blowers to provide consistent heating throughout the home, while their 95%+ efficiency (AFUE) keeps utility bills low. They’re unmatched in both comfort and reliability. Upgrading to these advanced models early prevents winter breakdowns, which could leave you without proper heat or with costly emergency repairs.
For straightforward advice on upgrading your furnace, DFH Company is Louisville’s trusted source.
Another strategy for energy-efficient heating is lowering the indoor temperature whenever possible. Overnight, while at work or school, or when away from home, turn the thermostat down. Doing so balances comfort with energy savings – about 3% of heating costs for every degree you lower your thermostat.
For maximum efficiency and ease of use, install a programmable or smart thermostat. These allow you to customize the temperature to your family’s routine, so you don’t have to remember to adjust it yourself. Accurate, reliable temperature control keeps you in the know and comfortable all year long.
Don’t choose between comfort and savings this winter. Utilize our HVAC tips and smart investments like whole-home humidifiers to reduce your energy use and maximize your comfort.
Ready to improve efficiency and comfort? Contact DFH for a free estimate on energy-efficient heating systems or install a whole-house humidifier to boost comfort and reduce heating costs.
