by Cooper Climate Control
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After a mild winter last year, experts are predicting a return to more normal temperatures this winter, as well as higher levels of energy consumption for heating. Bills for heating are expected to rise significantly in comparison to last year for homeowners with natural gas-fired furnaces and electric heating. That means that conservation will be even more important than last year to avoid sticker shock when the monthly utility bills arrive. While elements like the weather are out of our control, how we use energy is something we can usually improve upon.
Here are some tips to cut energy consumption this coming winter, no matter what the weather may be:
- Schedule an annual furnace inspection before the brunt of cold weather arrives. An HVAC technician will clean the furnace and verify safe, efficient operation. This will save money all winter long.
- If you don’t have one, install a programmable thermostat and utilize its energy-saving programs to reduce heating expenses, particularly overnight when occupants are asleep and during daylight hours when no one is home.
- Check the furnace filter monthly during the heating season, and replace as necessary. This is a DIY procedure. If you don’t know how, ask your HVAC contractor to show you.
- Clean the duct-supply registers in every room of dust and lint. Make sure they are open and not obstructed by draperies, furniture or other items. Never close more than 20 percent of the furnace supply registers in the house at the same time.
- Don’t allow kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to run longer than necessary after cooking or bathing. These fans draw heat out of the home.
- Replace weatherstripping around exterior doors that is worn or no longer intact. A small gap under a single exterior door leaks a significant amount of energy.
As one of the Valley-Metro’s largest full-service HVAC contractor, Cooper Climate Control Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to serve your home comfort needs in all seasons. Call us for more advice about reducing energy consumption this winter.