If you haven’t heard the news yet, we’re here to break it to you: Texas is facing another potential increase in utility rates this 2024.
That’s all the more reason to do what you can to save on heating services for your home in The Woodlands, TX. Otherwise, you could find yourself looking at skyrocketing heating bills.
Luckily, there are several strategies you can employ to save on heating without compromising comfort. We’ve shared them in this guide, so read on.
Master the Science of Thermostat Setbacks
One of the primary roles of your HVAC thermostat is to monitor the indoor temperature. It then compares this with the temperature you’ve set on the device. If there’s a difference, it will “notify” your heating system to kick on to meet your desired temp.
Suppose you’ve set your thermostat to 68 °F for the entire day, even if you’re not at home and are at work. Later in the day, though, the temperature in The Woodlands dropped, causing your indoor temp to go down to 55 °F.
In that scenario, your thermostat will trigger your heating system to turn on and keep heating your home until the indoor temp reaches 68 °F.
Because of the significant difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, your heating system will work harder and longer. As a result, your overall heating bill will also be higher.
Setting your thermostat lower while no one is home can help prevent that. For instance, you can set it back by 7° to 10 °F from its typical setting while everyone is at work or school. If you do the same to your AC setting in the summer, you can save as much as 10% on your yearly heating and cooling bills.
Don’t Wait Until Your HVAC Filters Get Clogged
Clogged HVAC filters can obstruct airflow into your HVAC system. This forces the system to work harder and pull more air in. Since this extra work requires more energy, it can cause your heating (and cooling) bills to increase.
Severely clogged filters can also collapse, creating gaps for unfiltered air to enter. The pollutants in the air can then settle on the interior components of your system. This can reduce your heating system’s efficiency, increasing utility bills.
Filthy air filters can also contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). After all, they can no longer capture more dirt, dust, debris, dander, hair, molds, and pollen. The pollutants they’ve trapped before can also get dislodged and reintroduced to the air.
Unfortunately, poor indoor air quality can cause short- and long-term health woes. These include eye, nose, and throat irritation to more severe illnesses.
So, before your heating bills skyrocket or you get ill, check your HVAC filters at least once a month. If it’s still clear or has no visible build-up, you don’t have to replace it yet, but be sure to check again after a month. Once you see an ash-like layer on it, it’s time to change it with the appropriate filter replacement.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
If you heat your home in The Woodlands, TX, with a heat pump, you can clean its outdoor unit yourself. Keeping it clear of debris will help maintain proper airflow and allow your system to perform efficiently.
Before you do any maintenance work on your outdoor HVAC unit, cut its power supply first. To do this, power off the shut-off switch (a metal box) near the unit. You can also turn your HVAC’s thermostat and circuit breaker switch off.
Wear eye, face, and hand protection for your safety. Change into some old clothes, too, as cleaning the outdoor HVAC unit can get messy.
Remove all the debris (e.g., leaves, branches, twigs, and trash) on and around the outdoor unit. Bag them up immediately so they won’t scatter and make another mess. Ensure there’s a two-foot clearance on all sides.
Next, use a soft bristle brush or vacuum brush attachment to remove dirt, dust, and grime on the outside of the unit. Then, wipe it down with a moist (not dripping wet!) towel.
If you can see considerable debris build-up inside the unit, it’s best to call the pros for help. While some people clean this themselves, it’s a job for the pros (or more advanced DIY-ers).
Partner With a Reliable HVAC Company in The Woodlands
While the tips above can help you save on heating bills, it’s still wise to get your system serviced by a pro.
Reliable HVAC companies offer maintenance plans that include semi-annual system tune-ups. This means they’ll visit your home and service your HVAC system once in the spring and another in the fall.
What an HVAC Service Plan Should Include
An HVAC service plan typically requires you to pay upfront. However, with this comes guaranteed scheduled visits.
At the very least, a comprehensive HVAC service plan should include the following:
- A multi-point inspection
- Thermostat calibration
- Cleaning the system from inside to out
- Lubricating all moving parts as needed
- Checking and securing electrical connections
- Cleaning or replacing the filter
As the HVAC technician inspects and tunes up your system, they’ll also document problems they encounter. They’ll then inform you of their findings and make expert recommendations to fix the issue.
Extra Perks of HVAC Maintenance Plans
Depending on the maintenance plan you purchase, you may also get other perks like free or discounted repair and labor costs. Diagnostic fees can also be free or offered at a discounted rate. You may also enjoy priority service if your HVAC system breaks down.
Save on Heating Services With These Tips
From thermostat setbacks to cleaning the outdoor HVAC unit, these strategies can help you save on heating services.
Don’t forget to invest in regular professional HVAC maintenance. This can keep your system efficient and prevent issues from worsening and turning into costlier repairs.
Guy’s Air Conditioning and Heating is your go-to for comprehensive HVAC services. We’ve been in business for over three decades, serving Houston and the surrounding areas, including The Woodlands.
So, call us today for all your HVAC needs! We’ll happily ensure your system performs well for many years.
