Broken Arrow in February is pretty cold. Fortunately, your HVAC system can keep you warm and comfortable. But is it functioning at peak performance? How much energy is it using? Here are some tips you can use each week in February to optimize your home comfort levels.
Week 1: Improve your airflow.
There are two ways you can do that this week. First, check your air filter and replace it if it's clogged. This allows air to flow through it more easily, saving energy, reducing strain on your HVAC system, providing you with clean air, and keeping your house comfortable. Second, check your ductwork for leaks. Leaks keep heated air from reaching your home. Repair them with metal tape or mastic sealant to maintain optimal airflow.
Week 2: Turn down the thermostat.
A temperature of 68 degrees while you're at home is plenty to keep you comfortable without wasting a lot of energy. Then, while you're at work and the kids are at school, use your programmable thermostat to lower the temperature even more. By keeping things 15 degrees cooler while no one's in the house, you can lower your energy bills up to 15 percent.
Week 3: Reverse your ceiling fan.
In summer, your fan helps you feel cooler. But by reversing the direction of the blades, it can actually warm things up. Hot air rises, but your fan can take that heat that's risen to the ceiling and push it back down into your home.
Week 4: Install attic insulation.
Rising heat doesn't stop at the ceiling. It goes all the way into the attic, where it's of no use to you in terms of home comfort. That's why it's important to make sure you have proper insulation. It slows the flow of heat, keeping it in your home. Inspect your attic insulation levels. If the insulation comes past the joists, you have enough. If not, put in some more to keep the heat where it belongs.
For more tips on improving home comfort, contact us at Air Assurance. We proudly serve all of Broken Arrow's HVAC needs.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about home comfort and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.