For many homeowners, monthly energy bills can be a major factor in their regular budget. While water and power are genuine necessities, most people are always looking for simple solutions to ease the financial burden, usually by making their home more energy-efficient. The good news is that a home’s heating system can be a perfect place to start, as an efficiently-run heating unit can make a world of difference when it comes to lowering your utility bills. Here, we will look at a few ways in which your heating system can impact your finances, as well as a couple of basic solutions to help bring down those monthly costs.
Air Systems and Dirty Filters
Within your home, the air conditioning unit and heating systems each run through a series of filters and ducts for airflow to course throughout the rooms. However, it’s important to remember that those filters accumulate debris of all kinds: pet dander, dust, dirt, and natural pollutants all become trapped. Eventually, these minuscule elements can amount to larger blockages, eventually lessening the system’s efficiency. Of equal importance, airflow leaks in the ducts and vents evolve over time, adding to the overall loss of air. Both of these issues have something in common: they’ll each make your family use the air conditioning unit and heating system more often and at their highest setting on the thermostat. When this happens, you may be unaware that you’re losing air which’s also raising your energy bill. In addition, running either system to its maximum capacity often will cause wear and tear, ultimately requiring costly maintenance or the installation of a completely new system.
Luckily, there are easy ways to prevent such dire circumstances. The first thing to remember is that each dirty filter should be swapped for a fresh, clean filter regularly. In fact, experts suggest that you inspect and change your heater’s filter every month. This will allow the HVAC’s airflow to run smoothly and provide your home with better indoor air quality. In addition, regular maintenance from a service technician will ensure that your ducts and vents are in proper working order. In the end, these simple solutions can make a tremendous difference on your utility bills.
Older Air Systems and Insulation
When it comes to being a responsible homeowner, there are many different financial concepts worth mastering, many of which can lead to big savings on your energy bills, as well as the longevity of your home’s equipment. Another consideration when it comes to your HVAC equipment and heater affecting your monthly energy bills should be the age of your unit itself. While a well-built furnace or water heater receiving proper maintenance could run for decades, advanced age can still lead to deterioration and wear and tear. When this occurs, the furnace filters aren’t the only concern‚Äîsmall holes and cracks in the unit can amount to potentially dangerous leaks. Aside from wasting airflow, older machines left unchecked could also leak carbon monoxide, which could be a very deadly concern to your family’s health and wellbeing. For this specific safety reason, your heating system should receive regular maintenance from heater and HVAC professionals a few times a year. If truly necessary, a new furnace can be an important investment for your family’s health and wellbeing.
In addition, one smaller (but equally important) routine check that you can conduct yourself is to inspect your home’s insulation. Throughout your house, there are many areas that could be affected by damaged or worn insulation, which could mean you’re losing air conditioning airflow, as well as warm air from the heater. While inspecting the insulation throughout the rooms, make it a point to also look at the smaller spaces that could also leak air, such as the doors, windows, and the chimney flue from your home’s fireplace.
Owning a home may come with a number of important responsibilities as part of regular maintenance. However, a sound financial strategy and a comprehensive checklist of your home’s HVAC and heating system can lead to huge savings on your utilities and other monthly expenses. With a good amount of diligence and a little creativity, you’ll always have the peace of mind that your family is comfortable and safe throughout the year.