How to Affordably Heat Your Home this Winter
With January being the lowest temperature of the year in Albuquerque, the HVAC system must be working properly to get through the winter season. The city and region see cold winter temperatures between 20 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with increased rain and potential snowfall. The winter season also brings an increased chance of wind. These all lead to strain on the HVAC system, which can cause costly and inconvenient breakdowns if your HVAC system has not been maintained properly.
There are multiple factors that can impact affordable heating. One tip is that residents and property owners need to be prepared for energy price hikes, which is very common at this time of year. Increased energy prices, along with colder temperatures, can drastically increase overall heating costs. If property owners and homeowners deal with older, inefficient systems, these prices will rise even more. During these chilly times after the holiday, have a reliable HVAC team to call for repairs.
Understanding HVAC Heating Systems
It is necessary to grasp the basics to make an HVAC system affordable, particularly during the winter. An HVAC system deals with Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). There are different types of heating systems, and each system operates differently.
- Forced Air Systems (Furnace) – Furnaces distribute heated air through a duct system and are the most common heating system for homes and buildings.
- Boilers and Radiators – Hydronic heating uses warm water or steam circulated through radiators or pipes. Boilers, radiators, and steam radiators are also part of this type of system.
- Heat Pumps – Pumps can provide both air conditioning and heating to a property. They are highly energy-efficient systems, particularly in milder winter climates.
- Electric Baseboard Heaters – Although these add comfort by providing localized heating, baseboard heating is not the most efficient or cost-effective system over time.
- Ductless Mini-Split Systems – For homes without existing ductwork, this ductless system provides zoned heating and cooling without the need for ducts. It is an excellent option for alternative home heating.
Most Energy-Efficient Ways to Heat Your Home
Property owners and homeowners can make several simple changes to upgrade their homes to be more energy efficient. These changes are also some of the best ways to keep warm this winter.
Insulating the Building & Sealing Gaps
With colder temps and gusting wind, cold air finds ways to sneak into your home. Lack of insulation and seal gaps are a massive reason for skyrocketing home heating costs. Heating costs can be decreased by adequately insulating a home and sealing gaps.
Owners should check:
- Attics
- Walls
- Floors
- Basements
- Window/Door Seals
Upon inspection, if they notice significant drafts and cool air flowing in, they will want to work to seal these gaps or insulate their home to reduce wasted energy on heating.
Switching to a Smart Thermostat
Another energy-efficient way to heat a home is for owners to switch from traditional thermostats to smart thermostats.
These thermostats use smart technology to optimize heating and reduce unnecessary energy waste. They can maximize heating during high-use times and minimize it during low-use times. Simple things like lowering the temperature at night or when away from the home/office are easy ways to reduce costs.
Maintaining the HVAC System
One of the most critical factors in decreasing and maintaining low energy costs during the winter is to conduct regular maintenance on the HVAC system. Heating systems need to be regularly serviced to maintain peak efficiency.
Regular maintenance includes:
- Replacing Filters
- Checking for Leaks in Ductwork
- Inspecting the Blower Motor
- Calibrating the Thermostats
Dirty, clogged filters reduce the airflow in the system, making it work harder, causing inefficiency, and risking possible malfunctions. Air filters should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on the type of system and filter.
Learning about HVAC winter preparedness is one of the best ways to ensure a system works efficiently and is one of the best ways to keep your house warm in winter.
When It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System
Replacing an HVAC system is a significant endeavor and an investment. Doing it at the right time will allow for a more efficient system to work better over time. There are a few crucial signs to look out for to know if an HVAC system is inefficient and ready to be replaced.
Property owners who:
- Continue to see increased energy bills while maintaining proper maintenance
- Regularly need to repair their broken-down HVAC system
- Notice inconsistent or inadequate heating throughout the home or business
- Hear unusual noises like thumping, grinding, pops, bangs, rumbling, or clicking
Once it is evident that a new system is needed, the homeowner or property owner needs to decide on the best energy-efficient HVAC system for their property.
The best course of action is to meet with a trusted HVAC specialist to discuss options. Ask about modern, energy-efficient HVAC systems like a high-efficiency furnace with SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. Also, ask about ENERGY STAR-certified models. Owners should ensure the HVAC professionals know they want a system to maximize energy savings for their Albuquerque property.
Stay Warm and Save This Winter
Heating a home affordably during the winter in Albuquerque should not be a struggle. By implementing our energy-efficient tips and solutions like sealing gaps, upgrading to smart thermostats, and scheduling regular HVAC maintenance, property owners can enjoy a warm and comfortable home while keeping energy costs in check.
It might be time to explore a replacement for homeowners dealing with older, inefficient systems or noticing signs of wear. Modern HVAC systems are designed to maximize energy savings and improve performance, providing long-term benefits for your home and budget.
Don’t face the winter chill unprepared – a reliable HVAC team is the best asset for staying warm this winter. Contact the trusted professionals at Anderson Air Corps today to schedule maintenance, repairs, or a consultation for a new energy-efficient HVAC system. Visit Anderson Air Corps to take the first step toward a warmer, more efficient home this winter.