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Trying to reduce energy costs throughout the year is a priority for many homeowners. Sacramento’s winters are mild compared to many other cities across the country, but they still usually require people to heat their homes at night and during cooler days.
There are several things you can do if you’re ready to save money on your heating costs this winter. Determining which ones will work for your home is critical.
Have a Heating System Check
A heating system inspection is one of the most important things to do before the cold weather starts. An HVAC inspection should be done by a heating maintenance professional, particularly if your heater is still under warranty. As part of the service, the technician checks the filters, all moving parts, everything electric, and the overall functionality of the unit.
A heater that’s working optimally won’t use as much electricity as one that’s operating inefficiently. By having the heater inspection, you can also reduce the chance that you’ll have to deal with broken components that prevent you from getting warm air when you need it the most.
Throughout the winter, check the unit and change the air filters. An air filter will typically last one to three months before you have to change it. If you notice that the heater isn’t functioning properly, contact a technician right away. They can likely diagnose the issue and fix it before it causes catastrophic system failure.
Optimize the Thermostat
One of the easiest ways you can lower your heating costs this winter is to optimize the thermostat. You can save as much as 10% each year if you turn it down seven to 10 degrees for eight hours each day. You can turn it down while you’re sleeping since you’ll likely be snug under the covers for the night. You may opt to turn it down during the day while you’re at work and then have it set to a more comfortable temperature when you get home.
It’s much easier to optimize the thermostat if you have a programmable or smart thermostat. Set the times and temperatures so you don’t even have to think about it. If you opt to do this, have a professional install the thermostat to ensure the calibration is correct.
Seal Air Leaks and Insulate Your Home
Air leaks are a primary source of heat leaving the home while cold air seeps into it. This can lead to a dramatic increase in heating costs during the winter months. Even though the temperatures here are rather mild, leaks are the equivalent of throwing money away.
While many homeowners may recognize some drafty areas in their home, there are often some they miss. A professional home inspection to check for heat loss may provide you with valuable information on where the heat is going. The inspector will check for a variety of things, such as drafts around doors, windows, or other openings. They’ll also look for heat loss around and through windows. Some inspections also include checking for heat loss through walls.
Insulating the house can include a variety of measures. Adding caulking or weatherstripping around doors and window frames may help. Window insulation film can prevent heat loss through the glass. Door sweeps can stop hot air from going out under doors and cold air from funneling in through that same space.
Decorate for Energy Efficiency
You can add some decorative features that will help to control heat loss. Using heavy curtains, thermal drapes, or insulating liners can aid in keeping warm air in your home.
Bare floors can make you feel colder as you walk around your home. Use area rugs or carpeting to provide extra insulation to the floor. This can help your home to feel warmer and prevent your feet from getting too cold.
Circulate Warm Air
Ceiling fans aren’t only for warm weather. You can actually use them to circulate hot air around your home. Because heat naturally rises, putting your fan on the setting that allows it to turn clockwise can push the warm air down, allowing you to reap the benefits of air that would otherwise be too close to the ceiling for you to feel.
When you’re setting the ceiling fan for the season, keep the speed low. This helps to circulate the air without making a cooler breeze that would happen if you turned the speed up too high.
Put Natural Heat to Use
Sunshine may help to heat your Sacramento home during the day. If it’s warm enough outside, open the curtains to let the sun warm up your home. This is particularly helpful in rooms with south-facing windows. Remember to close the curtains when the sun begins to go down. This enables you to trap the heat in your home so your heater can just maintain it. You may have to avoid this on windy days since the wind can drive the cold air through even the smallest cracks or holes around the windows.
Use Space Heaters Sparingly and Wisely
Space heaters are great options if you only need to heat up a small area of your home, but they shouldn’t be used to heat the entire house. When you’re trying to find a space heater, look for one that has safety features, such as an automatic shut off if it were to tip over. Always plug the space heater directly into an outlet because trying to use it with an extension cord can lead to fires.
It’s very inefficient to use space heaters for long periods of time. Instead, use them to knock the chill out of a room and then let the main heater maintain the room at a comfortable temperature. If you do have to use a space heater often, be sure you turn it off and unplug it when you leave the room.
Minimize Fireplace Heat Loss
If your Sacramento home has a fireplace, the heat loss can be considerable if you don’t maintain the fireplace. If you aren’t using the fireplace, close the damper to prevent warm air from leaving through the chimney. You may also consider installing a glass door or a fireplace insert that can prevent downdrafts and heat loss when you aren’t using the fireplace.
Prepare to Enjoy the Winter Months
Once the inspection is complete and you know you have everything ready to combat high heating costs, you can enjoy the winter months. Remind your family members to continue energy-saving measures, such as turning off lights and closing doors, that help you save throughout the rest of the year.
Our team at Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation is here to help you keep your heating costs under control this winter. We’re your hometown HVAC company that offers professional installation, maintenance, and repair on air conditioners, heaters, mini splits, and heat pumps. We also handle ductwork, whole-house fans, electrification, insulation, and water heater jobs throughout the Sacramento area.
Contact us today for all your home heating needs!
