When winter temperatures drop, heating costs naturally increase. This added use then leads to your HVAC system working harder and your energy bills going up. Luckily, small changes in your home and lifestyle can make a big impact. Things like adjustments to daily habits, home maintenance tweaks, and minor upgrades can all improve comfort and save homeowners money.
In this article, the HVAC experts at Neffsville Heating & Cooling provide practical, easy steps along with professional insights to help you cut winter heating costs without sacrificing your comfort. This includes simple tips such as sealing drafts, upgrading to a smart thermostat, and replacing filters regularly.
Seal Air Leaks to Stop Drafts
Many homes in Lancaster, York, Cumberland, Dauphin & Lebanon Counties are older, with several being built before the 1940s. These aging properties are at even higher risk than normal for drafts. When warm air escapes through gaps around windows, doors, and utility openings, your HVAC has to work even harder to maintain consistent heat, causing utility bills to skyrocket. Sealing these areas with weatherstripping or caulk can immediately improve comfort and reduce wasted energy this winter.
Improve Home Insulation
Another common issue with homes in the area is inadequate insulation. This could be because it has settled over time or was insufficient to begin with. Problem areas tend to include attics, basements, and crawl spaces. By boosting insulation in these key areas, homeowners can help maintain warmth and reduce overall heating demand without compromising on comfort. With less heat loss through your roof and walls, you’ll experience more stable indoor temperatures without breaking the bank.
Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Temperatures in Pennsylvania can fluctuate during the winter, making a smart thermostat an excellent investment. Setting temperature schedules allows your thermostat to adjust automatically and provides real-time energy insights to eliminate waste and lower bills. Some ways these thermostats reduce energy costs include:
- Automatically adjusting temperatures when you’re asleep or away
- Learning your habits and making temperature changes that don’t impact comfort
- Reminding homeowners to schedule necessary maintenance or replace filters
- Highlighting areas where homeowners can cut waste
Reverse Ceiling Fans for Winter Mode
In the summer, your ceiling fan improves circulation, helping you feel cooler. By switching fans to winter mode, or a clockwise direction, the blades can gently push warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into your living spaces. This helps rooms feel warmer and more comfortable without increasing thermostat settings. Plus, it combats cold spots, especially in homes with high ceilings. Perhaps what makes this most efficient is that it takes advantage of the air in your home that your system has already heated by simply redistributing it.
Replace HVAC Filters Regularly
Your HVAC system is already working hard in winter to provide sufficient heat on the coldest days. Unfortunately, it will have to work even harder if filters are clogged or dirty. This restricts airflow, increases energy use, and reduces indoor air quality. That’s why Neffsville Heating & Cooling recommends replacing filters every 3 months. You may need even more frequent changes if you have multiple pets, have allergies or asthma, or experience excessive dust in your home.
Schedule Professional Heating Maintenance or a Seasonal Tune-Up
An annual inspection will ensure your HVAC system runs safely, efficiently, and at peak performance. During these tune-ups, technicians can catch early issues, improve airflow, and help extend the lifespan of the furnace or heating equipment. As your trusted local expert for winter prep, Neffsville Heating & Cooling Services recommends scheduling these maintenance services towards the end of fall. That gives our technicians plenty of time to conduct a thorough inspection and complete any necessary repairs that might otherwise strain your system.
Consider Energy-Efficient Upgrades for Long-Term Savings
One of the best ways to experience long-term energy savings is to make energy-efficient upgrades within your home. This includes options such as high-efficiency furnaces, heat pumps, and advanced thermostat technology. The advanced technology enabled by these upgrades can significantly reduce monthly heating costs and often qualify for rebates or incentives to offset the initial costs. If you’re ready for a new system, contact Neffsville Heating & Cooling to receive an installation estimate and learn about our available products.
Request Heating Maintenance From Neffsville Heating
Even small changes like sealing leaks, switching fans, or changing filters can add up to big savings and improved comfort throughout winter for Pennsylvania homeowners. Most importantly, don’t forget to contact Neffsville Heating & Cooling Services for a seasonal heating tune-up or an energy-saving inspection before the coldest months arrive. Our team can walk you through areas where you may have wasted energy and recommend solutions that will offer long-term savings.
Contact Neffsville Heating & Cooling today to schedule HVAC services to prepare for the winter months in Lancaster County.
