Top Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills With Energy-Efficient Home Heating
The average monthly heating bill in the U.S. is over $150, and winter bills can be twice that amount in colder climates. The good news is that there have been many advancements in energy efficiency for home heating equipment in recent years.
Schedule Annual Heating Maintenance
Avoid the mistake of not scheduling heating service until there’s a problem. A well-maintained heating system will use less fuel or electricity. Routine maintenance will also help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of the equipment, thereby reducing your total cost of ownership. The best time to schedule a tune-up is early in the fall, prior to having to heat your home. That said, it’s better to schedule maintenance late than not at all.
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Heating System
When it’s time to upgrade your home heating system, focus on equipment that’s earned the ENERGY STAR label. The cheapest heating available is from a heat pump that can meet your year-round heating needs, but that may require a high initial investment. A dual-fuel heating system is a cheaper alternative that still achieves high efficiency. These systems have a primary mid-efficiency heat pump with a fuel-fired auxiliary furnace. If you prefer a standalone furnace or boiler, invest in a condensing model. Condensing boilers and furnaces use at least 10% less fuel than their standard counterparts.
Enhance Your System With a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends a programmable thermostat for all American households because it can reduce annual heating costs by up to 8%. Smart thermostats can provide additional ways to save, such as remote access and energy monitoring.
Lower Your Temperature and Dress Accordingly
The DOE recommends 68 degrees Fahrenheit, as it strikes a good balance between energy efficiency and comfort. You may prefer a higher temperature, but be mindful that every degree above 68 can increase your heating bill by 1% to 3%. Dress warm and in layers so that you can add and remove layers throughout the day and night as needed.
Control Relative Humidity
If you really want to enhance your comfort, maintain a relative humidity (RH) of at least 30%. The typical person will be most comfortable at an RH between 40% and 50%. An optimal RH will help you to feel more comfortable at a lower temperature. If you can’t achieve your target RH naturally, you have a couple of options. An energy recovery ventilator can improve ventilation and humidity. A whole-house humidifier will provide you with precise RH control throughout your entire home.
Use a Proper HVAC Filter and Replace It Regularly
Choose a premium HVAC filter with as high a MERV rating as your heating system allows. Check it once a month, and change it as needed. Using a clogged filter can lead to uneven heating and higher energy usage.
Stay comfortable at a fraction of the cost. Contact Integrity Heating & Air today to learn more about energy-efficient heating upgrades in New Orleans, LA.