Winters no matter what part of the country you live in, will get a bit colder and stormy. Whether in the South or the North, there are ways you can get your home ready for these colder temps.
One of the first things you can do that is pretty easy is just be mindful of the heat temp setting. During the day if no one is home, you might want to adjust your thermostat to a cooler temp. According to the US Department of Energy, turning the temperature down an additional 10-15 F while you are sleeping or away can help save about 10% a year on energy costs.
A great way to make sure you maintain a good temp all day and night, to install a programmable thermostat. This way you can program your heat to go up and down depending on the time of day on its own. This will not only save you money on your utility bills but will also save on energy consumption. There are tons of makes and models even WIFI-connected that can be adjusted remotely using your smartphone.
A well-maintained HVAC system will also help everything keep going and run smoothly during these cold months. Getting a seasonal scheduled maintenance check up with a professional is a good idea. If you cannot do this, at least change your filter on a regular basis. A clogged furnace filter can cause the system to work harder.
On average, a furnace will usually last a homeowner around 15-20 years. With this in mind, you will need to start saving for when the time comes to replace your furnace. Another tip is to replace the old unit before it completely breaks down. There are incentives out there such as tax credits and manufacturers incentives that can save you money.
Remember you do not want to get stuck with a broken down heater during the cold winter months. By following these tips you will save yourself both money and heartache.
