Follow the manufacturers recommended instructions for air filter replacement frequency. Following these instructions will help extend the life of your unit. Since the air in your home is more toxic during the winter (due to lack of fresh air), replacing the air filter will maintain healthier air quality for you and your family.

This energy saving tip helps reduce the time and frequency your furnace has to run to heat your home.

4. Keep Furnace Vents Unblocked

This is a big deal, with a blocked vent how is your home going to be warm and comfortably? Ensure that all vents are not only unblocked but make sure the vents are clean. Dirty vents can slow the flow of air going through your system.

Unblocked and clean vents heats your home more efficiently, saving you money.   

5. Open Blinds During The Day To Utilize Sunlight

This energy saving tip works best on sunny days. So, by taking advantage of natural sunlight, your furnace gets to go on vacation. Before heading to work in the morning open the blinds and let that sun shine! With more heat from the sun and less from your furnace, you will be stunned by the impact it has on your energy bill. The only downside to this tip is the lack of privacy.  

6. Use Ceiling Fans (Reverse direction)

Consider this, heat rises and cool air falls. Crazy, right? Reversing the direction of your ceiling fan pulls the cold air up and the warm air down. Utilizing the warm air above your head by mixing the warm and cool air in the room will raise the overall temperature and comfort of your home.  

7. Use Your Fireplace - if you are not able to - Seal It Up

You know that huge hole in the wall that looks oddly suspicious, yup that's a fireplace, and it's costing you more than you think. If you aren’t using your fireplace, guess where a lot of your warm air is going, you’re right again, right through the chimney.

If you can't seal it up, you can use saran wrap and some masking tape to cover the windows. The only downside is that it may not blend well with your home decor.

8. Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are the first thermostat to earn an Energy Star. That being said, it also allows you to adjust the temperature wherever you are by using an app on your phone. This energy saving tip is definitely on the rise as technology advances.  

9. Adjust Thermostat When Your Home Is Empty For More Than 8 Hours

Before leaving, lower the them by 3° - 5° and when you get home, set the thermostat back to your comfortable temperature. If you are planning to be away from home for 3 days or more consider turning the temperature down by 5° - 10°.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy this could save you 5-15% on your yearly energy costs.

10. Air Balancing

This energy saving tip can become complicated, consider contacting Rusty for help. Air balancing, what is it? It involves modifying your current HVAC system to evenly distribute the air throughout your home. This is an important part of HVAC maintenance and can improve the comfort of your home. The most effective air balancing technique is to rework your duct system to optimize heat level. Because warm air rises and cool air falls, routing your heating ducts to the floors of your rooms will more efficiently heat the room.  

Consider this quick tip for air balancing:

• Warmer rooms need less heat, try adjusting the vents and reduce the airflow. This will push the air into other rooms that aren't heated as well.

If you enjoyed our energy saving tips, have any questions or looking for more helpful articles or ways to save money on your energy bill, call us! (269) 207-8826.

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