When the temperature drops, your heating system becomes the hardest-working appliance in your home. But keeping cozy doesn’t have to mean sky-high energy bills. With a little attention and some smart habits, you can stay warm while saving money all season long.
Professional heating maintenance in Cedar Falls, IA is one of the best ways to make sure your system runs efficiently—but that’s just the start. Here are ten simple and effective ways to make your home heating system perform at its best.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance: Nothing improves heating efficiency like a well-tuned system. During a maintenance visit, HVAC technicians clean, inspect, and adjust your furnace or heat pump to ensure it’s operating safely and efficiently. They catch small problems before they become big repairs, and help you save energy month after month.
- Change Filters Regularly: A clogged air filter forces your system to work harder, wasting energy and shortening its lifespan. Check your filter every month during heating season and replace it when it looks dirty—or at least every three months.
- Seal Leaks and Insulate: Drafts around windows, doors, and ducts allow warm air to escape and cold air to sneak in. Seal those leaks with weatherstripping or caulk, and add insulation in attics or crawl spaces to prevent heat loss.
- Adjust Your Thermostat: Lowering your thermostat just a few degrees can make a big difference in energy use. Try setting it to 68°F during the day and a few degrees cooler at night. Each degree you drop can save up to 2–3% on your heating bill.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat: A smart thermostat learns your habits and automatically adjusts temperatures for maximum comfort and efficiency. You can control it from your phone, track energy usage, and avoid heating an empty home. It’s an easy upgrade that quickly pays for itself.
- Keep Vents and Registers Clear: Blocked vents restrict airflow and make your system work harder. Move furniture, rugs, and curtains away from registers to let warm air circulate freely throughout your home.
- Use Ceiling Fans Wisely: Flip your ceiling fan switch to spin clockwise on low speed during winter. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling, improving comfort while allowing you to lower the thermostat.
- Let the Sun Help: During the day, open curtains on south-facing windows to let in natural warmth from the sun. Close them at night to trap that heat inside.
- Avoid Overworking Your System: If your home feels chilly even when the furnace runs constantly, it may be time for an inspection. Dirty coils, duct leaks, or aging components can all reduce efficiency—and a professional tune-up can restore comfort and savings.
- Consider an Upgrade: If your heating system is more than 15 years old, replacing it with a modern high-efficiency model could save up to 30% on your energy bills. Our experienced team can help you choose the best system for your home and budget.
With these ten tips—and help from our expert HVAC technicians—you can enjoy a warm, comfortable home all winter long while keeping your utility bills in check. Our team is ready to help you get the most comfort for the least money!
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! Contact us today for help with heating maintenance in Cedar Falls, IA.