How to Save Energy and Money Through the Holidays and Winter

Residents in Surf City, North Carolina, experienced a year that will live on in the history books for generations. Hurricane Florence dumped more than 35 inches of rain on the area, destroying or damaging nearly everything in its path. A new town hall is now in the works, but Surf City’s residents are still wondering when the federal government will allocate the funds to replace the 350,000 cubic yards of sand they lost on their beaches during the storm.

Many homeowners are still recovering. But if not for anything else, Hurricane Florence was a reminder that life is worth celebrating with loved ones, and there’s no better time for it than the holiday season. If you’re planning to host festive celebrations at your home during the holidays, read on to learn how you can save energy and money while doing so.

Replace Your HVAC System’s Filter

The air filter in your HVAC system works to trap and prevent particle pollutants from collecting in the ductwork and re-circulating in your home. When it clogs with dirt and debris, it can’t perform that essential function.

A dirty air filter will strain your HVAC system, cause energy bills to spike and worsen indoor air quality. To prevent these problems, aim to check your HVAC system’s air filter every 30 and 90 days. Change it as needed.

Seal Your Home’s Thermal Envelope

Modern homes have tightly sealed thermal envelopes to prevent energy waste. They prevent conditioned air from escaping and keep outdoor air from seeping inside. Walk around your house and closely examine the windows and doors. Do you spot air leaks? Use weatherstripping and caulking to seal them. Also, consider upgrading your insulation.

Switch to Energy-Saving LED Bulbs

Quality LED light bulbs can last up to 10 times longer than halogen light bulbs — between 15,000 and 50,000 hours versus 1,000 and 4,000 hours. They also use a quarter of the energy needed to produce the same amount of light. If you haven’t already, switch your home’s lights to LED bulbs. If you’re hanging holiday lights, use strands of LEDs.

Use Your Home’s Ceiling Fans Correctly

Ceiling fans do more than make your home look aesthetically appealing. While they don’t produce cool or warm air, they can reduce your reliance on your HVAC system by distributing the conditioned air it generates to the right places. In the winter, your ceiling fans’ blades should rotate in a clockwise direction. As a result, they’ll push cool air upward and force warm air downward to make your family feel warmer. As a result, you’ll be able to decrease the temperature on your thermostat a few degrees. Remember to turn ceiling fans off in empty rooms to save energy and money.

Get Your Ductwork Inspected by a Professional

Preventing energy loss is imperative to saving energy and money, no matter the time of year. One of the most overlooked ways that homeowners waste energy is by not having their ductwork inspected by a professional every few years. If your home is hard to heat, always feels stuffy or the energy bills have spiked, it could be because of leaky ductwork. An experienced professional can correctly evaluate your ductwork and seal or insulate it properly.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system is responsible for about half of your household’s energy consumption. Therefore, it’s critical that it operates at maximum efficiency to help you save energy and money. By scheduling regular HVAC maintenance, you’ll ensure your system doesn’t waste energy, break down often, and lasts up to or beyond its intended life cycle.

Do you need to schedule HVAC maintenance before the dead of winter arrives? Save energy and money this heating season by letting a professional inspect your furnace or heat pump. Contact Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning at (910) 447-2905 to learn more about how you can protect your HVAC system for years to come and save energy.

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