Temperatures are dropping a little more with each passing day, and you’re increasingly dependent on your heater to keep you warm while you’re inside your home. Yes, you want to be comfortable, but you don’t want to go broke keeping the heater on.
The good news is, there are steps you can take to heat your home without overspending. Sure your energy expenses can fluctuate from month to month as your usage varies. But overall, you should be able to maintain steady energy use when it comes to your heater. And if you think that you’re in need of furnace service in Meridian, ID to boost heating efficiency, our team can help.
As heating experts, we know a lot about heating systems. But we also know a lot about how to maximize your heater so that it can last longer and heat your home with greater efficiency.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
One of the best ways to boost your furnace’s efficiency is by connecting it to a smart thermostat. A regular thermostat only allows you to change temperature settings manually. A programmable thermostat offers a variety of benefits, including:
- You can manage settings from your smartphone, tablet or computer
- Your smart thermostat can learn your heating habits and automate temperature settings
- It can make suggestions to improve energy efficiency
- You can choose precise temperature settings without any guesswork
Lower Your Heating Temperature
You want to be warm, but is it possible to lower the temperature a few degrees and still be comfortable? You might not think a few degrees is a lot, but you can save a lot of money over the course of the year when you choose smart heater settings.
The maximum temperature recommended by the US Department of Energy during the winter season is 68°F. Many homeowners set their thermostats as high as 73° in an attempt to stay warm. But that five degree difference is costly.
It’s also important to note that you should never turn your furnace completely off. You can turn the furnace down so it doesn’t heat your home as much when you’re away, but turning it off completely is a bad idea. Your heater will use even more energy to get your home back to a reasonable temperature if it gets too cold inside.
Warm Up Other Ways
Your heater isn’t the only way to stay warm. During the day you can open curtains and blinds so that sunlight can come in from your windows. It’s a great way to get some natural heat into your home when you can. Then after the sun sets you can bring out blankets, sweaters, and warm socks to aid in staying warm.
Change Your Furnace Filter
Your heater’s air filter isn’t just important for your indoor air quality. It also contributes to your heater’s overall efficiency. When you forget to change the filter, dirt clogs it up. This blocks airflow into your heating system and makes your heater work harder to bring in air. Changing your air filter on time eliminates the risk of your heater having to work harder and take on more wear and tear.
Here at Idaho Heating & Air, Your Comfort Is Our Priority! Contact us today for heating assistance.