As the temperature continues to drop, knowing how to maximize your wintertime energy savings will not only reduce your financial costs, but also improve the overall energy-efficiency, comfort, and eco-friendliness of your home. Whether you’re interested in considering a new heating system or thermostat, or are just looking for simple ways to save money and stay warm at home, there is an option that offers energy benefits for you and your family this year.

Consider a new heating system

Most furnaces are expected to last 15-20 years, while heat pumps typically last an average of 16 years. If your heating system is more than a decade old, it may be starting to struggle with providing the heating you want with efficiency and reliability. Even an old heater that is regularly serviced will be less efficient than a newer system, simply because of advances in technology that have been made since its purchase. If your heater has been experiencing problems for a while or you have called for several heating repairs in the recent past, it’s also a good indication that you may benefit from installing a new heating system altogether. Talking to Washington Energy Services about your current heating system and the benefits of replacing it can help you decide whether this solution is the right investment in your home energy savings.

Upgrade your thermostat

Even if your heating system is still relatively new, it’s also important to take a look at its control system. An outdated thermostat can hinder your furnace’s efficiency by affecting the control you have over the appliance and the heat it puts out. Upgrading an older manual thermostat to a digital programmable thermostat is a simple way to increase your home’s energy efficiency by exerting finer control over the temperature setting you choose. Using programs to heat your home only when you are present and reduce your furnace’s output while you area away is another great energy- and money-saving strategy that takes very little time and work to establish.

Schedule heating maintenance

Even if you haven’t had your heating service take a look at your HVAC system yet this year, it’s never too late to schedule a heating tune-up and cleaning. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the lifetime of your furnace and improve its heating output, reducing wasted energy caused by poor airflow and dirty or worn components. Our technicians can also make recommendations as needed to keep your heating system working as efficiently as possible, so you can continue enjoying energy savings for years to come. Regular maintenance also holds other benefits, including a lower risk of heating breakdowns that will cause stress and inconvenience during the cold winter weather. Even better, joining our Guardian Maintenance Club will keep your system running well for years to come.

If you have questions about heating your home in Seattle, we have the personalized answers and solutions you need for greater energy savings and comfort. You can find out more about us on our website, or check out our blog for more home heating tips.