Keep Your Home Cozy and Efficient

A toasty home is welcomed when escaping chilly weather. Less welcome is the heating bills that can come with keeping that abode cozy By taking a few preemptive steps, however, it is possible to optimize energy usage, get the most from your heating system, and still live comfortably.

Seal up your home – Keep cold air from seeping into your home. Insulate windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulking. Capture natural heat by opening curtains on south-facing windows during the day and close them when the sun goes down to keep the warmth inside. If feasible, consider replacing old windows and updating insulation with newer more efficient versions that will make your home both more comfortable and cut down on heating bills

Make sure your heating system is working properly – Test your heater in advance. Consider scheduling a service check-up with a Trane Comfort Specialist to ensure it’s running at its best. Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated, and properly adjusted can save about five percent on heating costs. A pro can assess your system, suggest any repairs it might need, and make sure you are ready before the coldest temps arrive.

What thermostat setting is best? – Agreeing on where to set the thermostat isn’t easy. To save money, set it as low as possible while still maintaining a comfortable temperature, usually between 65 to 70 degrees. If you aren’t home during the day, consider lowering it even more. And if your household can manage it, lower your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees at night to sleep comfortably while saving on that utility bill. Compromise with the family by placing warm throw blankets on the couch, adding layers of bedding, and investing in fuzzy socks.

Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun – Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

Replace your filter - A dirty HVAC filter restricts airflow and increases energy usage as your system works harder to push air through it. Replace or clean filters once a month when the system is being used most to ensure that air can pass through freely.

Seal heating ducts – Sealing ductwork connections could increase your furnace efficiency and provide better airflow to keep you warm at a lower cost. If you are uncomfortable trying to seal the ducts yourself, call in an expert to help you make certain it is done properly.

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SS&B Heating & Cooling is a professional HVAC provider and Trane Comfort Specialist in Springfield, Missouri.

To schedule heating services, simply call us at 417-580-9905, or you can conveniently contact us online. We're here to assist you!