7 Tips for Increased Energy Efficiency in Edwardsville, IL
Wintertime in the Midwest is no walk on the beach. Actually, it can be more like a walk at the North Pole, leaving your home as the only refuge from being battered by blustery winter weather. Residents of Edwardsville know this about as well as anyone, and they turn to the local heating contractors to make sure their furnace systems are running at optimal efficiency throughout the season. However, with these prolonged periods of cold weather, come the heightened heating bills of a furnace or heating system that must keep up with plummeting temperatures. Take these seven tips to heart and save money on heating this winter!
Change the Furnace Filter
Making sure the furnace filter is changed on a regular basis is a great way to optimize energy efficiency this winter. Most furnace manufacturers recommend changing the filter once per month. The more dirt and particles the filter collects, the harder it has to work to heat the home. When the furnace filter becomes severely clogged, your efficiency will plummet, and bills will skyrocket.
Seal Holes in the Wall
One thing that could be robbing your home of its energy efficiency are holes in the wall around electrical outlets and plumbing. The warm air in your home escapes through these little holes. They’re common around plumbing fixtures and electrical outlets. Use caulk or other store-bought sealants to plug these holes and keep the warm air in your home.
Seal Doors & Windows
Did you ever think that the warm air in your home could be walking right out the front door? Well, not really, but it could be creeping out of the home through tiny cracks and crevices around doors and windows. Use caulk or replace weatherstripping to ensure valuable warm air isn’t leaking out around doors and windows and robbing your furnace or heating system of its efficiency.
Use Natural Heating
Another way to cut down on your energy bills this winter is to use the sun to your advantage. Open the curtains of sun-facing windows to let the sun heat your home during the daytime. This gives your furnace or heating system a much-needed break after working hard all night to keep the home warm.
Utilize Insulation
Make sure the insulation in your attic and basement are sufficient for the long winter ahead. Some homes aren’t built with properly insulated walls or have attics that were never insulated. Available at any hardware store, use insulation for attics, ceilings, ducts, garages, and basements for increased energy efficiency.
Play the Thermostat
If you can deal with slightly colder temperatures during the winter, you can save money on your heating bills. Keeping the thermostat just a few degrees cooler during the winter can help you save a percentage off your energy bills. Compensate for the cooler temps with blankets, sweaters and fuzzy socks.
Furnace Tune-Up
Don’t underestimate the value of a furnace tune-up from a local, trusted heating professional. They’ll give your system a complete inspection of your system and all of its components. Furthermore, when winter starts, you’ll have a clean and efficient heating system that doesn’t waste energy.
Morrison Plumbing, Heating & Cooling provides service to Edwardsville, Illinois and throughout the surrounding Metro East.
