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Older homes in the Chesapeake, VA area often experience challenges with energy consumption, especially during the winter months. As temperatures start to drop in the winter, it becomes necessary to rely on a heating system to keep a residence safe and comfortable. Unfortunately, a lot of factors can make this process inefficient. Let’s look at some energy savings tips that can be used by older homes in the area.
Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance
It’s imperative that you’re scheduling routine HVAC maintenance each year. This appointment will ensure that your heating equipment is running efficiently and effectively. Minor repairs on your unit will keep your system running without any issues. We can also spot any problems that may be impeding your ability to efficiently heat your older home and suggest improvements.
Replace Your Filters
The filter in your heating system should be replaced once every 30 to 90 days. The exact time frame depends on the type of filter you are using, how often you run your heating equipment, whether you have pets, etc.
If you allow your filter to become dirty or clogged, this can decrease the efficiency of your heating system. Your equipment will have to work harder to achieve the temperature that your thermostat is set to. This leads to higher utility bills each month.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
It’s common for older homes to have a lot of gaps and cracks around windows, doors, the foundation, etc. It’s ideal that you have all these areas repaired so no outdoor air leaks inside. If you have a lot of cold air coming in, this will force your heating system to run more frequently. There are different materials that you can use for this process. Caulk and spray foam work great for small gaps. You can install new weatherstripping around windows and doors to promote a tighter seal.
Boost Insulation
A lot of older homes lack adequate insulation. This is also considering that there are some very effective insulation products on the market right now that work really well. Have our team assess your home to see what kind of insulation you currently have and what areas of the home are lacking. We can recommend different insulation options based on your budget, where the insulation needs to be installed, etc. Options include spray foam insulation, fiberglass insulation, and loose fill insulation.
Consider an Upgrade
It might be time to consider upgrading your current heating equipment to a newer model. Most furnaces only last around 20 years if they are properly maintained. If you have reached or surpassed this time frame, you’re likely using a heating setup that is very inefficient. We can recommend a new model that is the right size for your home. There may be incentives and rebates available that can help reduce the cost of a new furnace, especially in an older home.
Cover the Opening of an Unused Fireplace
A lot of older homes have one or more fireplaces. You may not be using this equipment, but it’s likely a source of heat loss in your home. Make sure you’re using a cover for any unused fireplaces to prevent drafts. Have your fireplace professionally inspected and maintained each year to ensure it is working properly. This will allow you to use your fireplace more frequently, which can help offset the cost of heating your home.
Utilize Dampers
Most HVAC systems have dampers installed in ductwork. These dampers allow you to control how much or how little warm air is passing through sections of your home. Adjust and promote ample airflow throughout your residence. You can also reduce the amount of warm air that travels to areas of the home that aren’t used very often.
If you would like assistance with saving energy in your Chesapeake home, reach out to us at Simmons Heating & Cooling. In addition to routine maintenance, repairs, and upgrades, we can offer a variety of other services. This includes generator installation and repair, installation and repair of ductwork, water heater service, radiant heating, and more.
Contact Simmons Heating & Cooling in Chesapeake today to schedule an appointment.
