Going green and saving money can go hand in hand, especially when it means using less gas and electricity to heat your home over the winter. Here are some green tips that will make your Portland area home more energy efficient this winter.
Change Your Air Filter: A dirty air filter makes it harder for your furnace or heat pump fan to pull air into your furnace burn chamber. This causes the blower motor to work harder, for longer periods of time, and also results in inefficient burning in the furnace. This increases the need for both gas and electricity.
Make Sure Your Furnace or Heat Pump Is in Good Repair: There are other reasons that your furnace may not be working as efficiently as possible. A professional inspection can locate and fix these problems and prevent poor combustion in the burn chamber. A heat pump service will make sure that the balance point is set correctly as well, and that refrigerant levels are correct.
Consider a Zoned System: If you have a large home, consider having it divided into multiple zones. This way you only fully heat the zone you will be occupying, or can set temperatures to match occupants’ preferences. This reduces the heated area and the amount of energy needed to reach the desired temperature.
Get a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to pre-schedule the temperature in your home to fit your daily and weekly schedules. If your house is unoccupied for large stretches of the day, you can roll back the temperature and save money. The thermostat can be programmed to return the house to your desired temperature 30 minutes before you are expected to return. The same tactic can be used when you’re sleeping.
Lower the Temp on the Thermostat: Every degree you lower your thermostat, on a consistent basis, can save between 3 and 5 percent on total home heating costs. We recommend keeping the temperature between 68 and 70 degrees when you’re up and about at home, and 55 to 60 degrees when you are away or asleep. Adjust those numbers to fit your comfort preferences and energy-saving goals.
Wear a Sweater: Putting on extra clothes can keep you feeling warmer in a cooler home. It acts like insulation, trapping body heat closer to you.
Please contact us at Roth Heating & Cooling for more green tips for your Portland area home.
