We appreciate our utility company for powering our homes, especially when winter heating becomes a priority. However, as a business, they likely won’t tell you how to reduce your energy consumption. That’s where we come in. As HVAC professionals, we specialize in energy-saving strategies that can help lower your bills and increase your comfort—even during the coldest New England winters.
While a holistic approach works best, you don’t need to implement every tip to see a difference. Small changes can add up, and even selecting a few of these strategies can make a noticeable impact on your energy costs.
DIY Solutions
Start with these simple, cost-effective tips to reduce energy consumption without professional assistance or significant expenses:
- Reverse Your Ceiling Fans: Switch your fans to winter mode to push warm air from the ceiling back down into your living space. During the colder months your ceiling fan should spin clockwise.
- Clear and Unblock Vents: Keep vents clean and unobstructed to ensure your heating system works efficiently—especially in high-traffic areas where items like shoes, boots or furniture may block airflow.
- Let the Sun Work for You: Open blinds during sunny hours to naturally warm your home. Close them at night, or invest in thermal curtains, to retain the heat.
- Close Off Unused Rooms: Shut doors, blinds, and vents in spaces you aren’t using to minimize energy waste.
- Stop Drafts: Use door draft stoppers to block cold air leaks.
- Add Rugs for Insulation: Lay down rugs in frequently used rooms to help insulate the floors and make the space feel warmer.
Small System Updates with Big Impact
While more advanced updates may be necessary in some cases, sometimes all that’s needed to boost efficiency without breaking the bank is a small update. These options offer affordable ways to improve efficiency and comfort:
- Programmable & Smart Thermostats:These devices adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule. Smart thermostats allow you to control your indoor climate remotely via smartphone apps and some include advanced features like geofencing, which adjusts heating based on your location and even weather data. On top of that, these systems automatically gather information based on when you’ll be home, the number of occupants, and more, using this information to ensure your home is comfortable when you are home and more efficient when you are away. Upgrading your thermostat, the “brain” of your HVAC system, can deliver significant savings with minimal investment.
- Weatherproofing: Seal air leaks around windows and doors with weatherstripping or other methods. For a longer-term solution, consider energy-efficient windows and doors. A professional energy audit can identify leaks if you’re unsure where to start.
Professional Solutions for Long-Term Savings
While professional services may require a higher upfront cost, they offer substantial long-term benefits:
- Zoned Heating Systems: Control the temperature in different areas of your home independently for personalized comfort and efficiency.
- Airflow and Ventilation Balancing: HVAC technicians can adjust dampers, install balancing devices, or reconfigure ductwork to ensure consistent heating across your home.
- Indoor Air Quality Upgrades: There are various indoor air quality solutions that provide healthier living environments while also helping to reduce energy expenses.
- Upgrade to High-Efficiency Technology: Options like heat pumps can reduce your electricity use by up to 50%.
The Bottom Line
By leveraging these thrifty heating secrets, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption, keep your home warm throughout winter, lower your heating bills, extend the lifespan of your system, and even improve indoor air quality. While your utility company might not appreciate us sharing these tips, you now have the insider knowledge to take on winter in the thriftiest way possible.
If you are looking for expert advice about your HVAC options in New England, contact the National Refrigeration team, and we will find the right solution for you.
Whether you need 24-7 emergency service or advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort—at home and work—call us at 401-737-2000 or email us.
