It’s getting colder and colder outside… and we’re still nowhere near how cold it will get this winter. I checked my handy almanac to see how we can expect the first part of 2016 to go, and it looks like we’re going to have a drier than normal winter. Dry conditions make it harder to stay warm, so when you look at the low temperature forecasts, keep in mind that those cold days will probably feel even colder.
Anyway, thinking about the upcoming cold has put me in mind of ways to save energy over the season. If you use a gas-powered heating system—which is common in many homes—there are some things you can do to keep that heater working as efficiently as possible. You’re probably spending more on running that heater than you should, and here are some of the ways you can cut down on costs.
Have a humidifier installed
I mentioned above how dry conditions make cold weather feel worse. The reason is that low amounts of moisture in the air make it easier for heat to escape from your human body. (I have a fur coat which helps against this. Not bragging, just a fact.) You can combat this inside your house with the installation of a whole-house humidifier. Our technicians are glad to help you set up the right humidifier for your home.
Careful with those thermostat settings!
I wrote a whole post about this last week, and if you haven’t read it before, it’s worth your time to take a little training with how to set the thermostat so you waste less energy.
Don’t skip heating maintenance
I know that I’ve spent a lot of time writing about this topic, but it’s really that important. You need to have regular maintenance for your gas heater every year. It’s best to have it done during the fall, but it’s never too late to arrange for it. So before it gets even colder, call our technicians and sign up for our maintenance program. This is one of the best ways to prevent an inefficient gas heater that costs too much to run.
Maybe it’s time to replace an older heater
There are some great new furnace models with very high energy efficiency performance. If you have a furnace that’s more than 15 years old, I strongly suggest you look into getting it replaced. This a long-term savings plan, but those savings can be immense. (Plus, less worry about the system breaking down on you.)
MK Russell & Abbott is here to help you with great heating in Knoxville and Maryville, TN.