Keeping your Minneapolis home energy efficient is important for the environment and your wallet. Fall and winter are some of the most expensive times of the year, so saving money where you can is essential. Here are some tips to save energy and money throughout the fall and winter.
Keep shades open
The sun is the most natural way to heat your home, and the best part is it’s free. Natural light can warm up your home significantly, so you won’t have to rely on your furnace as much.
Use a space heater
Using a space heater in the rooms you spend the most time in will decrease the need for higher temperatures on the thermostat. There are many kinds of space heaters for different sizes of rooms in your home, so be sure to find the best one for your budget.
Invest in a better thermostat
Programmable thermostats can adjust the temperature of your home efficiently for when you will be home and when you won’t be. Having this schedule for your thermostat decreases energy costs for you and will keep you comfortable when you’re home. If you have pets, be sure to check with your veterinarian to see what temperature is safe for them.
Replace air filter regularly
Checking your filter every month for buildup can save you more than you think. As dust and dirt collect on your filter, air has a harder time passing through, making your furnace work harder. During the times your filter works the hardest, such as summer and winter, it is common and energy efficient to change your filter every three months to prevent excessive buildup. Call us at Twin City Heating for filter recommendations.
Seal the windows and unused openings
Energy Star, one of the energy supporters for the US government, recommends to seal up windows to keep the warm air in and the cool air out. You can use clear, heavy-duty plastic and tape to cover them, or you can upgrade to storm windows, which are proven to seal your windows better than standard windows. Other unused openings, such as a fireplace, should be sealed to prevent escaping air. Getting a dampener for your fireplace or sealed doors for the front of your fireplace can help with your home’s energy efficiency.
Check your insulation
Insulation is something that no one really thinks about, but is there to help your home. As time passes, the insulation in your home wears down, making it easier to air to escape. The first place you should check your insulation is the attic. Hot air does rise, so leaving an attic uninsulated can significantly decrease the energy efficiency of your home. Check with your home improvement experts if you would like more information.
Get furnace maintenance
Furnace maintenance is an easy way to make sure your furnace will work properly without taking up too much energy. The harder your furnace has to work to give enough heat to your home, the more energy it will take to get you what you need. If your furnace needs to have its yearly maintenance scheduled before you need it, call our HVAC experts at Twin City Heating and Air. We are happy to fine-tune your furnace to help it work its magic all fall and winter long. If your furnace needs replacement for the best energy efficiency, we will help you know your options going forward.
Minnesota winters are tough on your furnace. Before you turn it on this fall, make sure to get a tune-up to avoid any emergencies through the winter. Our professional mechanics are ready to help you with any tune-up you need. If you want to learn more about our tune-up services, check out our 21-point tune-ups page, or call us to make an appointment.
