Heat is expensive. Your furnace is one of the biggest consumers of energy in your home, so it’s important not to let any go to waste. How do you reduce how often you use your HVAC system while still keeping your home comfortable? Here are a few ways to conserve heat.
- Insulation. The better-insulated your home is, the better you’ll be able to keep the heat in. Heat rises, but insulation in your attic slows its flow, so your house stays warm longer, while your furnace runs less. Check your attic to see how much insulation you have. If it doesn’t cover your joists, you need more.
- Sealing leaks. Even with good insulation, keeping warm air in your home is difficult if leaks are displacing it with cold, outdoor air. Schedule a professional home energy audit with your HVAC contractor to discover where the leaks are so you can have them sealed. Check for ductwork leaks as well, where warm air is escaping before it reaches your home. Seal those leaks with metal tape or mastic sealant.
- Smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can be programmed to switch to a more energy-efficient setting automatically whenever you’re not home. Some can be programmed with your schedule, some can learn your schedule over time, and some even come equipped with sensors that can tell when you leave the house to ensure you conserve heat while no one is home.
- Upgrades. What’s the AFUE on your furnace? Especially if it’s more than a few years old, upgrading will most likely give you a more efficient model that provides more heat for less energy. Look for the blue Energy Star logo to ensure efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
- Zoning. If you have uneven temperatures throughout your home but only one thermostat, you’re doing little to conserve heat. A zoning system lets you control the temperature in different areas of the house individually so each room gets only the heat it needs.
For more tips on how to conserve heat and save energy, contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We provide Yuma with quality home-comfort solutions.
