You can reduce your utility bills in cooler weather by increasing your HVAC system’s efficiency, even in Las Vegas, Nevada. You’ll also be able to get rid of uncomfortable drafts and help the environment by lowering fossil fuel emissions. Cut your energy costs during the cooler months by adding a humidifier, using ceiling fans, installing a programmable thermostat, and taking care of your heater.
Add a Humidifier
When your furnace heats your home, it also makes your home’s air drier. In a place like Las Vegas that’s known for its desert conditions, that can be a big problem. Since moist air feels warmer, you’ll be able to use your heater less, saving power and extending its life. You can also prevent sore throats, dry eyes, dry skin, nosebleeds and other health problems.
Added moisture will protect your electronics and make you more comfortable by lowering static electricity as well. It can reduce snoring and protect paint or wood floors or furniture from peeling or cracking.
A professional can install a whole-home humidifier in your ductwork. A less costly portable model will work in one room at a time.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans don’t just make you feel cooler in summer. They can help you stay warmer in winter, too. They can also keep you comfortable when nights get chilly and you still need to use your air conditioner during the day. You can choose from a variety of colors and styles, and many include lights.
When it’s warm outside, your fans should turn counterclockwise to push air toward the floor and create cool breezes. Most fans have a small switch near their centers. You can use this switch to change the direction of the blades to clockwise and push air toward your ceilings. This increases air circulation without creating breezes and keeps cold air from collecting just above your floors. That way, you can use your heater less without feeling colder. Keeping your fans on at their lowest settings will save the most energy in cool weather.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is inexpensive and easy to install. After a few years, it’ll pay for itself through lower utility bills. You can set it to turn down your heater when you go to bed and leave for work. It’ll turn your heater on again about half an hour before you wake up or come home. You’ll save energy without having to remember to adjust your thermostat manually. You also won’t have to deal with a chilly house to conserve power.
Some programmable thermostats let you program a separate schedule for weekdays and weekends. With others, you can choose different settings for every day of the week and vacations. If you don’t want to spend time programming your settings, choose a smart thermostat. It can communicate wirelessly with motion sensors to learn your family’s routine and adjust automatically. You can also adjust it remotely from your computer or smartphone.
Take Care of Your Heater
Before the weather gets so cold that you need to use it often, have your heater inspected by an expert. That way, you can find and repair problems like a:
- Refrigerant leak
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Gap in your ductwork
As a result, you’ll avoid:
- Wasting lots of energy
- Feeling uncomfortable
- Damaging other parts of your HVAC system
Between yearly checks, change your system’s air filter at least every three months for optimal airflow and better indoor air quality. A clogged filter will force your heater to work harder and use more power. You can also prevent clogs and keep your HVAC system operating efficiently by getting your ducts cleaned every few years. This keeps dirt, dust, pests and other pollutants from getting into your unit.
Sun Country Heating & Cooling is a Trane Comfort Specialist with more than 10 years of heating and cooling experience. We can help you with a variety of HVAC equipment and services, including duct cleaning. Call us anytime at (702) 213-2857 for superb service.
Image provided by Shutterstock