How to Help Your Heating System Be More Effective
Originally published in December 12, 2018, updated in January 11, 2022.
Winters in Tallahassee and the surrounding communities are generally mild compared to more northern areas, but a heating system is still an essential piece of equipment. With an average of 32 nights with temperatures at or below freezing, it does get downright cold! Fortunately, you don’t have to drive up your energy bills to keep everyone comfortable. When the temperatures are dropping, the following heating system tips can save you money and help everyone in the house stay warm and toasty.
Home Weatherization
In the average home, 5 to 30 percent of the money spent on heating is wasted through air leaks. Drafty windows and doors are the primary culprits. Seal windows with caulk and use weatherstripping around doors. A can of insulating spray foam can be used to plug any other leaks in exterior walls.
Attic Insulation
If you feel like your heating costs are going through the roof, take a quick trip up to your attic. Around 90 percent of American homes are under-insulated. If you can see floor joists between your existing insulation, chances are you’ll save money by adding more. When shopping for additional insulation, check the R-value, which represents how well the material resists heat. Aim for a total R-value of between R30 and R60.
Proactive Heating System Maintenance
Before temperatures plunge below freezing, schedule a professional tune-up for your heating system. The cleaning, checks, and calibrations performed during maintenance will optimize its efficiency, saving you money on monthly energy bills. Heating systems perform better with regular maintenance, and they last longer too. Best of all, you’ll have minimized worries unexpected breakdowns on those cold winter nights. It’s not too late to call and schedule maintenance, if you haven’t done that yet.
At Advanced Air Care Heating and Cooling, we specialize in energy-saving comfort solutions that improve your indoor comfort. For more information on how to stay warm this winter, check out our heating services or call us to schedule a maintenance appointment.