5 Tips to Improve Your Home’s Heating Efficiency

Take the Chill Out of Winter in North Central Arizona

Arizona is known for its hot, dry summers and serene desert landscapes. However, the northern region of the state is quite unique, and residents of the area know that the winter months in places like Sedona and Prescott can be quite cold. In fact, the Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff offers skiing and other outdoor recreation during the winter season due to the region’s snowy conditions.

As the weather gets colder, many of us start cranking up the heat to keep our homes warm. But did you know that there are other, more efficient ways to keep your home comfortable during the winter months? At North Central Arizona, we have the expertise to help you heat your home during the cold season in a more effective manner. By following these five tips, you can minimize heat loss and maximize your energy savings.

1. Check Your Furnace Filters Monthly and Replace Them as Needed

Taking the time to check your furnace filters monthly is one easy way to keep your heating system running smoothly. A dirty filter can reduce air flow and cause the unit to work harder than necessary to keep rooms at the desired temperature and contribute to higher energy bills.

Regularly check your filters for dirt accumulation, dust buildup, and any visible clogs or blockages. Keep them clean and replace them if needed, which could be as often as every three months depending on your usage. Doing so will help control indoor air pollution levels and allow your heating system to operate effectively.

2. Have Your Furnace Serviced by a Professional at Least Once a Year

Maintaining a well-functioning furnace is an important part of taking care of your North Central Arizona home. Having a professional from Aire Serv of North Central Arizona service your furnace at least once a year is the best way to ensure the safety and efficiency of the system. During routine maintenance, one of our qualified technicians will inspect all parts of your furnace, clean out any buildup or blockages, and replace parts.

Short-term benefits include lower energy bills and improved air quality, while long-term benefits include preventing breakdowns or larger repairs that can cost you a lot of time and money. Don't wait for your monthly energy bill to rise or your furnace to break; routine maintenance can aid in system longevity.

3. Adjust Your Home’s Temperature While Sleeping or Away

Lowering your home's temperature while sleeping or traveling is one of the most efficient ways to save energy and reduce heating costs. Setting the thermostat a few degrees lower when you're not at home can significantly reduce your overall energy consumption and help keep your bills in check. Additionally, lower temperatures are proven to be ideal for better sleep quality.

Many modern thermostats are programmable and have digital scheduling capabilities, so it's easy to set up an automated system that will adjust temperatures as needed. If you’re looking for an effortless way to improve your home’s heating efficiency, consider installing a programmable thermostat.

4. Use Space Heaters Sparingly and Only in Well-Ventilated Areas

Instead of cranking up the thermostat to an uncomfortable temperature or paying exorbitant heating bills, many people opt for space heaters. If used correctly, space heaters can help keep costs down while ensuring optimal comfort levels at home. While convenient and economical, it's important to use them responsibly as they can be dangerous if left unattended.

Space heaters should only be used sparingly and kept in well-ventilated areas, as they can increase carbon monoxide levels if used too often in unventilated areas like bathrooms. Keep them away from walls, curtains, and other fixtures, as they can pose a fire hazard when in proximity to flammable surfaces.

5. Seal Openings and Gaps Throughout Your Home

To create a closed system for your furnace to operate, you should take steps to seal any openings, cracks, or gaps where drafts may occur throughout your North Central Arizona home. This includes sealing gaps around windows and doors, as well as any other potential sources of air leaks in the home like your attic or basement.

Sealing these openings will help maintain more consistent temperatures throughout your house since heated air won’t escape as easily. It’s also important to ensure that exhaust vents are free from obstructions to maintain proper ventilation levels. This will allow your furnace to operate at peak efficiency with minimal energy expenditure.

Maintaining optimal home heating efficiency may seem time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be a difficult task. By following these five tips, you can ensure that your furnace is operating as efficiently as possible, your home isn’t losing energy, and your monthly bills aren’t increasing. If you’re experiencing issues with your heating system, our team at Aire Serv of North Central Arizona is always ready to assist you with furnace installation, maintenance, and repairs.