Winters in San Antonio, TX, can often be mild when compared with other snowier parts of the country. For those cold snaps where temperatures drop, residents of Alamo City rely on heating systems that keep their homes comfortable. However, rising energy costs can make it challenging to maintain that warmth without overspending. Fortunately, with a few strategic moves, you can reduce your heating bills while keeping your home cozy. Let’s explore 8 practical tips to help you save money this winter without sacrificing comfort.
1. Automatically Adjust Your Temperature
If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat. These modern devices eliminate the need for manual adjustments, consistently maintaining your desired temperature and allowing for easy scheduling.
The Department of Energy estimates that most households can save over 10% on heating costs annually by programming their thermostats. It recommends lowering your temperature by 7-10 degrees for at least eight hours a day. Ideal times to turn down your thermostat include overnight while your family sleeps and during the day when everyone is at work or school.
If your system is zoned, take full advantage of this feature. Zoned HVAC systems let you set independent temperatures for different areas of your home. In unoccupied spaces, like guest rooms, you can lower the temperature to 55 degrees for significant savings.
2. Improve Your Building Envelope and Enhance Insulation
The tighter your home’s building envelope, the more affordable it will be to heat. Inadequate insulation in critical areas, such as attics, walls, and crawl spaces, can lead to significant heat loss. Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining an ideal indoor temperature. That means you need to also seal gaps around windows and doors to minimize drafts.
3. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are not just for summer; consider installing them in any room where they’re practical. Since warm air rises and collects near the ceiling, a ceiling fan can help redistribute this air downward, promoting even heating throughout the space. Setting the fan to low speed and adjusting the rotation clockwise is essential for winter use. These adjustments circulate heated air more effectively, reducing the workload on your heating system.
4. Utilize Natural Light and Window Coverings
Take advantage of the sunnier days in San Antonio by letting the light stream into your home through the window. This will provide a natural warmth throughout the day. At night, use window coverings to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. They act as a barrier against cold drafts, helping to maintain indoor temperatures. Consider using insulated curtains or thermal blinds, which can significantly reduce heat loss.
5. Choose an Energy-Efficient Temperature
Each degree matters when heating your home. The DOE estimates that lowering your temperature by just one degree can save 3% on your bill and recommends between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit for the average home. The key is finding an energy-efficient temperature where you are comfortable and can maintain consistently.
6. Check Your HVAC Filter Monthly
A heating system’s filter prevents dust and debris from entering the unit and causing damage to its internal components. It also plays an essential role in maintaining indoor air quality by capturing airborne contaminants that would otherwise recirculate through your living spaces. However, a dirty filter reduces airflow to your heating system. This can result in many issues, including making your heater work harder to keep your home comfortable.
Most experts recommend changing your air filter at least every three months. However, you may need to change yours more often due to factors such as how many people live in your house, if you have pets, and how frequently your heating system runs. Many homeowners inspect their air filters once a month to ensure they know when it is time to change them out.
7. Consider an Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your HVAC is due to be replaced, you should consider making the switch to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system, like a heat pump. Newer models of heat pumps are able to perform well in the fluctuating temperatures that often occur in Texas. From the mild temperatures to the muggy days to the freezing lows that can happen in winter. While the initial price of a heat pump may be steep, its dual heating and cooling functions may effectively replace both your air conditioning and heating systems. On top of that, homeowners in San Antonio will enjoy lower heating and cooling costs due to the heat pump’s operation and can take advantage of rebates and incentives.
8. Maintain Your Heating System
Whether your home has a furnace, heat pump, or another heating system, an annual tune-up before winter is essential as, over time, components like burners or coils can become dirty, reducing the system’s effectiveness. For instance, the DOE suggests that dirty burners in a furnace can reduce heating efficiency by up to 10%. During a fall maintenance visit, a technician will inspect, clean, and make necessary adjustments to ensure your system operates as it should, lowering energy costs and preventing expensive repairs.
Start Lowering Your Energy Bills in San Antonio
At MD Air Conditioning & Heating, we have been serving the residents of San Antonio, and the surrounding area, for years. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps. We can also help with all your indoor air quality needs, including installing whole-home air purifiers and whole-home humidity control systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our talented technicians.
Tags: Heating Bills, Heating Efficiency