Winters can be downright frigid in Champaign, IL. You rely on your heater to keep you warm all winter, so it’s no wonder you see a jump in your energy bill come the colder months. You may (or may not be) be surprised to learn that as much as 50% of your energy bill in the winter is heating costs. To make things worse, if your furnace or boiler is not working properly, it could be using even more energy than is needed.
If you are looking to save on your heating bill, investing in some routine heating system maintenance is the best thing you can do to help bring down the costs. Here are a few specific things you can do to save on your heating bill.
Change the Filter
It’s easy to forget about your filters. But it’s also one of the easiest “parts” to fix. Setting a reminder to change the filter is always a good idea, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach for how often you should change it.
Homes with high allergen counts and pets require filter changes more often. The quality of the air filter also impacts how often you’ll need to change it. Inexpensive filters should really be changed every month, while more durable ones can last three months or longer.
The bottom line is that when your furnace or HVAC filter is backed up with dust and debris, less air is able to get through and warm your house, meaning your heating system is working harder and longer to maintain the temperature you set. Clean filters allow your system to work as it should and translate to real savings every month.
Changing your filter is one of the most uncomplicated maintenance tasks you can do to lower your energy bill. If you aren’t sure when to change it or how to change it, contact a professional to help you.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
If your furnace seems to be working fine, you may not see a need to schedule a tune-up. However, furnaces can often appear to be working when there are actually underlying issues that need to be addressed. If your furnace has an underlying issue, it may be working harder than necessary to heat your home, which can show up in your energy bill.
When you schedule a furnace tune-up, the technician will be able to spot any hidden issues and perform the proper furnace repairs. Even if your furnace doesn’t need any immediate repairs, a technician will be able to make small adjustments that improve functionality and ensure your system is in top shape.
Scheduling regular maintenance will ensure that your furnace is in proper working condition and running as efficiently as possible, meaning you won’t be paying more than you need to on your heating bill every month.
If you are a homeowner with a boiler, the same principle applies. Boiler maintenance is a good practice to make sure you are getting the most out of your system. Most boiler maintenance technicians will also be able to perform boiler repair in the same visit, so scheduling a maintenance appointment can be hassle-free.
Get a Furnace Replacement
It may sound counterintuitive, but spending money to replace your HVAC unit will help save you money.
Boost Efficiency
Old furnaces are notorious for being inefficient. Furnaces built a decade (or longer) ago were built for functionality, not efficiency. They will heat your home well, but they’ll also burn through a lot of energy to do it. That costs money, of course.
Furnace technology has come a long way, and each year they get more efficient and better at circulating air throughout your home. Most furnaces last between 15 and 20 years. If your furnace is in this age range, it is likely that you are paying more than you need to heat your home.
Access Smart Features
Not only are new furnaces more efficient, but many of them also come with smart features that can help lower energy consumption. Smart furnaces are designed to calibrate so that they are always operating optimally. In addition, many new systems can be set to lower temperatures when you are away. Some of them can even be controlled remotely through an app.
Furnace replacement is an excellent long-term investment for your home and can result in significant savings in your monthly heating bill. There are lots of options on the market today, so if you are not sure where to start, give Castle Home Comfort Heating & Cooling a call. We can help make recommendations and find the right solution for you.
Inspect Your Home for Cracks
After your furnace or heater gets the house warm, the goal is to keep the heat inside. Holes or cracks in your doors and windows are the most common ways that heat leaves your home. It is simple to test for cracks or insulation issues. Simply hold your hand in front of your door and window seams to see whether you can feel any cold air coming through.
Another method is to see whether any light is coming through creases in the door. If so, it means it is not totally sealed, and hot air can escape. When hot hair leaves the home, it just means your furnace has to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, costing you more in your energy bill.
Sealing holes and cracks helps ensure that hot air does not escape, so your heating system doesn’t have to work harder than it has to.
A more permanent solution to heat leaking out of windows is investing in dual-pane windows. Dual-pane windows are far more effective at insulating and keeping hot air in. Your energy savings could be as much as 25% if you install these!
Check Insulation In Your Attic
Many homes in Champaign, IL, are multi-level with attics. Heat naturally rises, so it usually lands at the top of tall or multi-story residences. That’s why it’s so important to have proper insulation to keep heat in. Insulation should be covering the vast majority (if not all) of your attic space.
Upgrade Your Insulation
If you notice that your attic is only partially insulated, or if you notice the insulation looks old or worn, it is a good idea to consider upgrading.
The difference between a properly insulated attic and an uninsulated attic can be huge when it comes to energy use. The insulation keeps all of the heat that would otherwise leave your home inside, meaning your heating system has to work less. As a result, it uses less energy.
Adjusting the insulation in your attic may seem like a headache, but it can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bill.
Get a Professional’s Opinion
If you are looking for furnace repair or furnace replacement services in the Champaign area of Illinois, look no further than Castle Home Comfort Heating & Cooling. Whether it’s furnace repair, boiler repair, or any replacement services, we’ve got you covered.
We opened our doors to provide Champaign County residents with the quality heating and cooling services they deserve. We’ve been in the business for four decades, so there’s no job we can’t handle.
If you ever have any issues, just let us know. We’re so confident in the services we provide that we stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. And guess what? We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Give us a call today!