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Auburn, Alabama, residents can encounter many chilly days come winter. Fortunately, you can weather the winter while keeping your utility bills low. Make your heating system more efficient by maintaining it regularly, getting your ducts sealed, adding a programmable thermostat, or getting an upgrade.

Regular Maintenance

Have a professional technician inspect your heater at least once per year. That way, you can discover and repair problems such as malfunctioning thermostats or dirty air filters before they increase your power bills and lead to more extensive, costly issues. You should also replace your air filter at least every three months. A dirty air filter restricts your heater’s airflow and forces it to work harder, increasing wear and reducing its life span. It also spreads pollutants, including dust, pollen, pet dander, dirt, and biological growth, around your home.

If you use a heat pump, keep grass clippings, sticks, leaves, and other types of debris away from your outdoor unit. This can prevent costly malfunctions and help you make your system’s airflow as high as possible. Trim bushes or other types of vegetation near your outdoor unit as well. If you notice a burning smell, unusual noises, or rising energy bills, have a technician check your heater or heat pump.

Duct Sealing

Your ductwork sends warm air from your HVAC system to the rest of your home. Unfortunately, leaks can develop in your ducts over time and lead to higher utility bills. When this occurs, you might notice rattling or whistling noises from loose ducts or inconsistent temperatures in certain rooms.

When you have your ducts sealed, a professional will find and repair leaks and get rid of annoying noises. This saves electricity and makes your home more comfortable. It also improves your indoor air quality by making sure more of your home’s air passes through your HVAC system’s air filter instead of escaping through leaks. Duct cleaning can also help you save energy by increasing your heater’s airflow.

A Programmable Thermostat

With a programmable thermostat, you won’t have to adjust your heater manually to conserve energy. You can set it to turn down your HVAC system while you’re usually at work and then bring your home to a more comfortable temperature before you return home. With many models, you can select a different schedule for each day of the week. You can also make changes from anywhere on your smartphone or computer.

Some programmable thermostats can control multiple areas or zones at once. You can avoid heating empty rooms and choose the temperature you prefer for your bedroom without impacting the rest of your home. Some of these zoning systems use dampers in your ductwork to direct warm air, while others can control more than one indoor air handler. A smart or learning thermostat can connect wirelessly to cameras or motion sensors and learn your routines over time. It lets you conserve power without needing to input detailed programming.

An Upgrade for Your HVAC System

Most heating systems last for about 15 years. If your equipment is more than 10 years old, replacing it with a new, more efficient model might help you save energy. An upgrade can also prevent frequent repairs or an inconvenient breakdown. A new heater is a large investment, but you might eventually get your money back through lower utility bills. Many modern HVAC systems have variable-speed fans to increase your comfort as well. They usually stay on longer at lower speeds, saving power and preventing unpleasant temperature fluctuations from a heater that starts and stops often.

Climate Control Heating & Air Conditioning has been providing maintenance, heating, and cooling services since 1983. We’re a Trane Comfort Specialist, and we have an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau. We guarantee 100 percent customer satisfaction, and we can help you improve your heater’s efficiency. For outstanding heating system service, call us at 706-405-4796. We use high-quality tools and equipment, and our well-trained service techs are happy to answer all your questions.

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