Controlling Energy Costs in Winter Weather

Winter weather has finally arrived in Oklahoma! After a very brief fall, we’ve rushed headlong into cold temps and some gray days. Your heating system needs to be in first-rate shape to run as efficiently as possible all season long. These tips will help you stay warm all winter.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

In an age of smartphones and personal computers, it’s not surprising that we’re seeing a rising trend of “smart homes” – homes equipped with security, environmental controls, and appliances that can talk to each other, and to you, via your wireless network. But you can reap the benefits of technology with one small upgrade – your thermostat. A digital thermostat is more accurate than an analog one, which means you can set the temperature more precisely. Beyond digital, though, is the programmable thermostat, a worthwhile investment for many homeowners. A programmable model can be set to run when you’re home (or when you’re coming home) and remain off when you’re away. This keeps your system from running when it’s not benefitting anyone, while keeping you comfortable when you’re at home.

Change Your Air Filter

A clogged air filter taxes your system. Air can’t push through a filter filled with dust, dirt, and pollen, and your system wastes energy trying to move air through the ducts. Most air filters should be changed either monthly or quarterly. The packaging for your filter should indicate how often you should swap them out. When your system is working hard – during the more extreme temperatures of summer and winter – you should consider changing the filter more often.

Seal Doors and Windows

Air leaks around the openings of your house let warm air escape, and can cause your system to run continuously. Caulking and replacing worn weather stripping around your doors and windows can make your home more comfortable, and more energy-efficient.

Thermal Windows

Especially for older homes, thermal windows can be an effective way to reduce heating expenses. Thermal windows, according to the experts at Edmond Glass, are double-paned (and sometimes have even more than two panes), and each pane is separated from the next by an air-filled space. This gap helps insulate your home, and makes thermal windows more energy-efficient than single-pane windows.

Don’t get left in the cold this winter. From new units to fast heater repairs, we’re here to help keep your family comfortable and safe this winter. Call us at 405.677.5665 today.

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This post was written by Air Conditioning Service, Inc.