Winter’s energy bills can be brutal. You might not even realize how much energy your furnace is eating up because it’s always running, which costs even more in the winter! Here are six ways to save on your furnace bills this winter.
6 Tips for Making Your Existing Furnace More Efficient
If you don’t have a newer energy-efficient furnace, it’s worth making the most of the one you have. Take some time before the heating season starts to improve energy-efficiency and prolong the life of your furnace. Here are six tips to doing this, which will give you a more energy-efficient home.
- Change the air filter. It’s important that HVAC filters get changed at least every three months (although you should check it monthly during the winter to make sure it isn’t too dirty). This will make your household air cleaner and help prevent damage to your furnace.
- Check and clean the vents. Take a look around your house and make sure there aren’t any obstructed air vents; if vents are clogged, the furnace has to work harder. To unclog vents, remove the cover and vacuum them out.
- Check and remedy areas in your home where heat escapes. Heat escape points make your furnace work harder and waste money. Keeping cracks or gaps around walls, doors, and windows sealed will help keep heat in. If your house doesn’t have insulation in the attic, walls, or floors, adding it can save energy and money as well.
- Rethink the thermostat. The US Department of Energy advises setting your thermostat to 68°F when you’re awake and about 7 to 10°F lower at night. You may save up to 10% on your heating costs by lowering the thermostat for eight hours every day. Alternatively, consider installing a programmable thermostat to customize heating schedules and temperature preferences for you.
- Get a tune-up. Have your furnace checked by an HVAC service technician. They will inspect all components of your heating system and clean out any dust that has built up over the last year, since, if not cleaned regularly, your furnace may require extensive repairs. HVAC service technicians use diagnostic equipment to adjust your furnace for maximum efficiency, safety, and comfort. This will save you money on heating bills and prolong the life of your furnace.
- Replace your furnace with an energy-efficient one. Whereas older furnaces have efficiencies of only 56% to 70%, the most energy-efficient furnaces can attain efficiencies of 98.5%, resulting in saving up to 50% on your fuel costs. Consider an energy-efficient gas furnace, an energy-efficient electric furnace, or an energy-efficient propane furnace.
Get Financing for a New Energy-Efficient Furnace
If you live in Michigan, you can get financing for a new energy-efficient furnace and other energy-saving upgrades with Michigan Saves.
Along with any DIY energy improvements you make as a Michigander, Michigan Saves can help keep Mother Nature from costing you—now and all year long. Our financing can help you quickly turn your house into a comfortable and energy-efficient home by paying for virtually any energy upgrade you need.
If saving money and energy is your goal, you’re in good hands. Get professional help from one of our authorized Michigan contractors in your area. Cozy up to energy savings with us today!
