LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) – As temperatures drop, many are reaching for the thermostat, and if your home is winterized, you will save money.
One simple way the U.S. Department of Energy suggests is by opening curtains. That allows sunlight to naturally heat the home and closing them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows. Homeowners are encouraged to maintain heating systems.
“The most important thing we ask our customers is to make sure that you have your systems checked yearly,” said Strickland Plumbing and HVAC technician Anthony Vallejo.
Vallejo said HVAC systems start working overtime once temperatures drop.
“They’re going to be working a whole lot harder, so they’re trying to keep up, so those parts are overheating and just being overwhelmed,” he said.
Vallejo said cleaning or replacing furnace filters, having the furnace inspected and serviced annually, and sealing air leaks around windows and doors will help you save money.
He also recommended keeping temperatures between 68 to 71 degrees, depending on your comfort. To make sure it remains at those temperatures, Vallejo said it’s a good idea to install modern thermostats.
“Older thermostats, they don’t read as well, so therefore it will cause the unit to run a whole lot longer and less efficiently,” he explained.
For homes that use outdoor window units, Vallejo says they should be covered up to avoid cold air coming inside your home.
“The outside unit, they could put a cover over it, a tarp, wherever that may be,” he said.
Experts also say for homes with ceiling fans, set them to rotate clockwise. This helps distribute warm air.
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