With temperatures as low as they’ve been, homeowners will be cranking up the heat. To keep your energy bill from skyrocketing during these winter months, your heating unit needs to be well maintained.

Here are a few tips to ensure your system is working properly and efficiently:

KEEP THE THERMOSTAT SET ON AUTOMATIC

While this may appear to be a no-brainer, it is often overlooked. For many older models, the “auto” setting is located just above the thermostat. By being on “auto,” your heating system will turn off when it reaches the set temperature, ensuring the system does not run needlessly causing unnecessary energy costs. If you have a newer digital thermostat, double-check the settings are set on automatic and that the batteries are still good.

INSTALL A CLEAN AIR FILTER

Air filters need to be replaced every one to three months because they collect dirt and debris. According to the Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter can reduce energy consumption by as much as 15 percent. Since your HVAC is responsible for approximately half your energy bill, you would have savings of approximately 7.5 percent every month.

ENSURE SENSORS AND OTHER CRITICAL WORKING PARTS ARE CLEAN

If your heater is newer, it probably utilizes electronic ignition, and has an intermittent pilot light rather than a traditional pilot light. When the heater has not been used for a while, sensors that ensure gas isn’t flowing can get dirty and will need to be cleaned or replaced.

CHECK THE ENERGY FLOW

Whether you have an electric or gas system, it needs to have enough energy to run properly. A lack of power causes your unit to work harder, driving energy costs up. Remember to check all electrical and gas connections to ensure the unit is receiving enough energy.

For most people, maintaining heating systems can become an afterthought, but if not regularly maintained, problems such as higher energy bills and premature repairs can arise, costing much more in the long run.

Need help upgrading an old thermostat or installing a new one? Call Mister Sparky® of San Antonio and we’ll have one of our trained professionals there right away!