Oregonians know that winter in the Pacific Northwest is a mix of wind, rain, snow, and ice. The winter season can get cold and your heating system has a big job to do: it needs to keep you cozy and comfortable no matter what the weather does outside.
One thing that many people notice in the winter months is a higher utility bill. This is usually an unwelcome surprise. But thankfully, there are some ways to save money on your energy bill this season. Here are some ways to help with that.
#1: Change or clean your air filters regularly.
Your air filters aren’t easily seen, but their role is important. Did you know that if you don’t clean or change them monthly or bi-monthly, they will get clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris? When this happens, the system runs harder and uses more energy. This excess energy causes a spike in utility bills. Not to mention, the extra strain can put additional wear and tear on the machine, which can decrease its durability and life span. Most importantly, air filters are affordable and easy to clean or change. This simple task can help you save money in the long run!
#2: Tune-up the system.
Whether it’s a car, an appliance, or other type of machine – at some point, it will need maintenance or a tune-up. Your furnace is no different. Regular professional tune-ups will keep your energy usage steady and keep the machine functioning reliably. Our team at Specialty Heating and Cooling will check the internal components of your machine and make sure it is running properly. If there is something causing strain on the machine that could pose a problem for the system or cause increased utility bills, we’ll discuss what repairs need to be made.
#3: Check your home’s insulation.
Does your home’s attic, walls, or basement have adequate insulation? If you aren’t sure, take a look or call a professional to do a check. Without the right insulation, that precious warm air coming from your furnace or ductless heat pump could be leaking right outside into the winter air. Surprisingly, this is an easy fix and can make a huge difference!
#4: Seal windows and doors.
Check around your windows and doors. Are there gaps that you can see light? Or, can you feel cold air coming from the sealed areas when you put your hand near them? Undoubtedly, this means you need to caulk and seal the windows and doors again. This is an inexpensive way to seal areas where cold air gets inside and warm air escapes. Over time, this will help with your energy bills.
#5: Don’t forget about your ductwork.
Leaking, cracked ductwork is common and this can cause significant air leakage and high energy bills! If you have leaky ductwork, your money is literally going out the door or window. So, how do you fix it? Specialty Heating and Cooling is a proud Aeroseal Duct Sealing provider. This patented solution fixes leaks from the inside out. It uses an injected sealant that adheres to the ducts, so when the air enters them, the particles collide and stick to the edges of leak. As a result, the sealed ducts will yield a highly energy efficient home.
December is here! Therefore, it’s a great time to consider your energy usage and find ways to save money. So, call us today to schedule your Aeroseal duct sealing, furnace repair or tune-up, or to get a quote for a new system. We look forward to keeping you comfortable all year long.
