With another Indiana winter on the way, you’ll want your home warm and comfortable during the cold months ahead. If your home is full of of drafty rooms and cold floors, the problem could be due to a combination of air leakage, poor insulation and an inefficiently maintained HVAC system.
These issues can contribute to higher utility bills, a reduction in air quality, overworked equipment and wasted energy. There are several steps you can take to save energy and make this winter more comfortable for you and your family.
Seal Everything
- Check for and seal any leaks around outside vents, pipe openings and/or ductwork, gaps around the chimney (attic and cellar), and unfinished space inside closets and cabinets built into outer walls.
- Apply caulk around window panes and add weatherstripping to moving parts of windows and interior and exterior doors.
- Apply caulk to the fireplace hearth where it connects to the wall.
Maintain HVAC Equipment
- Set up a service agreement with your HVAC contractor that calls for an annual inspection and tune-up of both your heating and cooling systems.
- Inspect your furnace filter one a month, and replace (or clean a reusable one) when it looks dirty.
- Keep vents or registers free of dust, rugs or furniture that may hinder air flow.
Stop Drafts
- Apply clear, heavy-duty plastic to the interiors of all the windows, making sure the seal is airtight.
- Install heavy, insulated draperies over well-fitted shades on all the windows to provide more insulation.
- Open the curtains on sun-facing windows during the day for natural heat from sunlight.
- Keep the fireplace damper tightly closed when not in use to prevent heat loss.
Lower the Heat
- Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable while you are home (at least two degrees below “normal”) and 8-12 degrees lower during the day if the home is empty. A programmable thermostat will do the job for you once it’s set to fit your daily and weekly schedule.
- Lowering the temperature of your water heater to about 120 degrees F will reduce energy use and prevent scalding.
For more detailed information on how to save energy in your home or for any home comfort issue, please contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We provide expert HVAC services in the Indianapolis area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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