When the chilly Twin Cities winter descends, a high-performing furnace is your best ally. However, this increased furnace demand translates into a hike in your energy costs. How can you stay warm without breaking the bank? Northern One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning understands the challenge. We’ve been serving Twin Cities homeowners for decades, and we’ve learned a few things about beating the cold Minnesota winters. Read on to find out how you can keep your home warm and your bank account happy all season long.
Essential furnace maintenance for maximum efficiency
Maintenance matters. When you skip your oil changes, your car might not run as well as it should. This applies to furnace maintenance as well. A well-maintained furnace is the most efficient furnace. By taking some proactive steps, you can ensure your system is running at peak performance.
Change or clean your air filter. This is the simplest and most important task you can do. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder and use more energy. Check your filter monthly and replace or clean it every one to three months, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Schedule an annual tune-up. Professional maintenance from our trained heating and cooling technicians ensures your system is clean, safe, and operating at its best. They can identify and fix minor issues before they become major, costly problems.
Install a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices allow you to set a heating schedule that aligns with your daily routine. Lowering the temperature when you’re away or asleep can significantly reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.
Ensure vents and registers are clear. Blocked vents force your furnace to work harder to distribute warm air. Make sure furniture, curtains, and rugs are not obstructing airflow to any vents in your home.
Simple hacks to keep your home warm Without Turning Up Your Furnace
Beyond your furnace, there are many easy, low-cost ways to prevent heat loss and make your home feel warmer.
Reverse your ceiling fan. Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows them to run clockwise. This creates an updraft, pushing warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the room where you can feel it.
Seal air leaks. Check for drafts around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or plastic film to seal any gaps. You can also use a door draft stopper to block cold air from seeping in under exterior doors.
Use the sun’s energy. On sunny days, open your curtains and blinds to let natural sunlight warm your home. Close them as soon as the sun goes down to trap the heat inside.
Add layers to your home. Place rugs on bare floors to provide insulation. Use thermal curtains on your windows and add throw blankets to your couches. These simple additions can make a noticeable difference in how warm you feel.
Make sure your bed is placed on an interior wall. Who doesn’t want an excuse to move the furniture to a new configuration? A bed against an exterior wall can feel much colder during the night due to heat loss through the wall, especially if it’s not well-insulated. However, if you move your bed to a wall shared with another room, you can make your sleeping space feel much cozier without touching the thermostat.
Bake more. Using your oven is a great way to add some extra warmth to your kitchen. After you’re done cooking, leave the oven door ajar to let the residual heat escape into the room.
Remember to call on Northern One Hour
By combining smart furnace maintenance with these simple hacks, you can make your Twin Cities home a warm and cozy retreat all winter long while keeping your energy bills in check. If you’re concerned about heating costs this winter, contact the experts at Northern One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning at (763) 319-0872 or online at https://www.northernonehour.com/. We’ll walk you through various options that will pay you back in energy savings and increased comfort during even the coldest winter days.