With winter well underway, you may feel the chill, but sometimes it feels like utility bills are ever-increasing, and you may as well burn money to keep warm! The good news is that you can use some tips and tricks to save energy this winter while also keeping your home comfortable and cozy. Here are some energy-saving tips recommended by your local HVAC company in Knoxville, TN.
Turn Down The Heat At Night
Did you know that, according to the US Department of Energy, reducing the temperature of your thermostat by 10-15 degrees for 8 hours a day can reduce your energy costs by up to 10%? Why not try dropping the temperature overnight when you are tucked up in bed or out at work during the day? Talk to an HVAC company in Knoxville about switching to a programmable thermostat to make this easier for you. You could even opt for a smart thermostat that you can control from your phone, allowing you to turn up the heat remotely before you head home so that a toasty, warm room welcomes you!
Make Use of Cozy Winter Decor
You may have taken down your festive decor now that the holiday season is over, but you can still dress up your home for winter, especially if your decor items are also functional! This is the perfect time of year to bring out those fluffy throw blankets and cozy cushions for the couch! It will look cozy and also serve to keep you warm without having to turn up the heat. Consider flannel sheets and extra blankets for bedtime as an added way to keep warm at night.
Let Some Light In
Even in the winter months, there is still plenty of sun, so be sure to open your windows and blinds during the day, especially for sun-facing windows. The heat from the sun will give your home an additional boost of warmth at no cost! Once the sun goes down, close the blinds again to stop heat from being lost from the windows as it gets cooler.
Switch Your Fan
If you have a ceiling fan at home, you will know how much of a difference it can make when you want to circulate cool air. In fact, at top speed, most ceiling fans can reduce the temperature by up to 8 degrees! However, nobody wants to keep the room cool in the depths of winter, so you may not be using your ceiling fan at the moment. However, it actually has another setting that you can use in the winter season! By reversing your fan so that the blades rotate in the opposite direction, the ceiling fan will pull warm air from ceiling level and direct it back down to ground level! The blades should turn clockwise in winter and counterclockwise in summer.
Consider Zoning Your HVAC
If rooms in your home are not used as often or don’t necessarily need to be heated, you may want to talk to an HVAC company in Knoxville about zoning your HVAC system. This allows you to set different temperatures in different zones, meaning you can save money on energy bills by not heating rooms you are not using. For example, if you like your bedrooms kept cooler than your living space, or if you have a basement that you only use occasionally, you can reduce the heat in those areas or shut it off completely. This can help keep your energy costs under control.
Book Annual Maintenance
If you find that your energy bills have suddenly increased even more than recent price increases would cover, it could be a sign that there is a problem somewhere in your HVAC system. Don’t put off servicing it until it breaks down; book preventative maintenance from an HVAC company in Knoxville now and catch problems while they are still minor fixes! Neglect and dust are among the most common reasons why heating systems develop problems, so scheduling regular maintenance once or twice a year can go a long way toward making sure your HVAC is working at peak efficiency.
Winter doesn’t have to mean sky-high energy bills. With a few simple adjustments and some thoughtful planning, you can keep your home warm and cozy while saving money. From lowering the thermostat at night and using smart technology to embracing cozy decor and zoning your HVAC system, there are plenty of ways to maximize efficiency without sacrificing comfort. Don’t forget to let natural sunlight in during the day and schedule regular HVAC maintenance to keep your system running smoothly. By implementing these energy-saving tips, you can enjoy a more affordable, comfortable, and sustainable winter season. Stay warm, Knoxville!
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Gent Heating and Cooling provide heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial clients in Knoxville, Knox County, and the surrounding East Tennessee area. Over 20 Years experience. Customer Service is Our Top Priority. We strive to be on time, provide accurate estimates, and have most replacement products on our service vehicles.
Call 865-213-3818 or email office@genthvac.com
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