Your home’s HVAC system is very likely to be responsible for the lion’s share of energy use inside your home, especially over the winter season. It’s therefore logical that saving money on energy costs should maintain a strong focus on lowering heating costs, which is why keeping your furnace in tip-top shape is so important. When your home’s furnace and HVAC system are poorly functioning or affected by clogged ducts, dirty vents, and other issues, it’s going to create a storm of unsatisfactory conditions, from an uncomfortable indoor temperature to sky-high utility costs as your unit works harder to keep up. At Four Seasons, we’ve been helping homeowners learn how to lower heating bills in Chicago and the Chicago area since 1971. To help keep these issues from affecting the cost of your energy usage, and improve your home’s efficiency, take a look at these helpful tips from Four Seasons on how to lower your heating bills over the winter season.

Replace, Repair, Or Clean Out Your Air Ducts, Vents, and Filters Proper airflow is critical for the optimal performance and health of your HVAC system. If your air ducts, vents, and filters are clogged and dirty, broken, or blocked with debris, your indoor climate and entire home heating system will suffer. Additionally, inadequate heating due to these issues is also likely to make your utility costs higher, a direct result of your HVAC system working harder to meet the settings on your thermostat. To improve the efficiency of furnace systems and to lower energy bills each month, make sure your home’s HVAC system consists of clean, perfectly working vents, ducts, and filters for a more comfortable, less expensive indoor existence. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact your local HVAC professionals to inspect your unit and provide the proper care it needs for superior efficiency this season. Locate and Seal Drafty Areas

Your home’s worst enemies in the fight against energy loss are drafts. Drafts are typically located near windows, around doors, and in attics, and are responsible for letting in cold air during the winter, while letting out the warm air that’s inside. You can locate drafts easily by performing a search throughout your home, stopping near target areas to sense any temperature changes—especially near windows and exterior doors. Once you’ve found out where the air is escaping, provide weather sealant in the areas where extra draft protection is necessary to eliminate further energy loss in your home.

Keep Your Home Stable

Find out what the recommended temperature settings are for optimal energy efficiency in your home throughout the seasons, and keep your thermostat set accordingly. This information might be in your HVAC owner’s manual or contact your local HVAC repair services company for assistance.

If your thermostat is older or has been having problems, find out about replacing it with a digital one. Digital thermostats have a variety of energy-saving features that you can use to keep costs down.

Provide Your HVAC System With Regular Maintenance

Your home’s HVAC system is one of the most important features of your home—especially in the Midwest, where the season’s temperature changes can be drastic. Avoid expensive repairs or a possible need to replace your HVAC system too early by giving it the proper and regular maintenance it needs to perform efficiently. Search for reputable, professional companies in your area like Four Seasons for help with maintenance issues before the start of the season. Your HVAC system works overtime in the winter and summer months, which are ideal times to have a professional take a look at your unit to make sure it’s working properly and in good condition. Are you interested in learning how to lower heating bills in Chicago? To find out more tips on lowering heating costs over the winter season to improve efficiency of furnaces, give us a call at Four Seasons now. You can also fill out our online form to have an agent reach out to you about scheduling a free, in-home, no-obligation pricing estimate for your home’s HVAC system repairs or replacements, 24 hour furnace repair, and other installations.