Home Energy Saving Ideas: Heating

Once Bay Area cold weather sets in, it is not only enough to have an efficient and functioning heating system but also one that helps you save energy. As the mercury dips, energy usage in homes goes up, resulting in high utility bills.

This can be reduced by taking certain measures to insulate the house properly and making use of the sun’s energy as much as possible. Regular maintenance of your HVAC systems will also see to it that you get the required heating without overworking any unit.

There are certain tips and tricks that you can do in your homes to conserve energy and save money.

1. Invest in Energy Efficient Units

The most important thing to do, is to firstly invest in energy efficient heating systems and other appliances. You can choose a unit that is highly energy efficient by checking its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). Higher the numbers, higher will be the energy efficiency the appliances provide.

2. Insulate your homes and Seal Leaks

Your heating system provides comfortable warm air to your home, but if the house lacks proper insulation, most of the conditioned air will be lost to the surroundings. Cold air from outside can enter your house if there are any cracks or leaks around your doors and windows.

You must seal leaky ducts and also use caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors.

3. Cover the Floors

Although hardwood or stained concrete are popular flooring options for homes these days, they do not do much to keep your house warm. Area rugs are a sparkling option to trap the cold air and not let it rise, while also adding color and dimension to your interiors.

4. Make Use of the Sun

The sun is a readily available source of energy and heat. Keep curtains and blinds open to let the sunlight warm your rooms. You can also install appliances that can make use of solar energy instead of fuels or electricity.

5. Install a Programmable Thermostat

More energy is consumed when we forget to change the temperature on thermostats during season changes or when the rooms are not in use. Programmable thermostats are a low-cost energy saving option in which you can feed in a heating schedule for particular rooms in the house. These help you save almost $100 to $300 per year.

6. Ensure Smooth Airflow

For your system to circulate warm air around the house, the air vents must be free of any blockage. So, make sure there is no furniture or any curtains obstructing air flow. The external unit of your HVAC system must also be clean and free of debris.

7. Undertake Regular Maintenance

This is one of the easiest yet the most important tip. Regular maintenance of your heating system, and especially before winter will keep it running smoothly and let you know in advance in case any big repairs or replacements are needed. Maintain your system regularly so that you do not have to face any sudden malfunctions during the cold season.