WINTER HEATING GUIDE: HOW TO SAVE MONEY AND STAY WARM
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When the temperatures drop and snow falls, it’s hard to keep the bitter chill from seeping into your home. If you’re wondering how you can keep your home warm without dealing with dry air or cranking up your energy bill, we have a winter heating guide with your name on it.
Our expert team has been helping local homeowners enjoy a warm home since 1994 with a wide range of heating services. We provide everything from general maintenance to furnace repair. In this guide, you’ll learn about regular repair, different types of heating systems, and a few tips for insulating your home.
FIND YOUR ULTIMATE INDOOR COMFORT THIS WINTER
It's time to cozy up indoors. We’ll explore some of the most common questions around indoor heating so you can stay comfortable and save a little money.
DOES WINTER HEATING AFFECT HOME HUMIDITY AND HEALTH?
Balancing the humidity levels once we turn on the heat can be challenging. Here's why: colder temperatures outside often result in drier air indoors. This unbalanced humidity often causes symptoms like dry skin, itchy throats, and chapped lips.
Your heating system will also contribute to parched indoor air by gradually drying out moisture. The more you turn it on, the drier your home will become, making it hard to balance staying warm with proper indoor air moisture.
The solution? Consider adding a whole-home humidifier to add more moisture to the air.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON HEATING SYSTEM TYPES?
Are you in the market for a new heating unit? Boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps are the three most common types of heating systems. This section of our winter heating guide explains the key differences between these systems and the homes they’re best suited for.
FURNACE
A furnace uses forced air to heat your home, referring to heating technology that pushes air over a heating element to warm it up. Once the air blows over a heat exchanger, it passes through your home's air ducts and spreads throughout your home.
Many homeowners prefer a furnace due to its intense heat, which is well-suited for areas that experience heavy snowfall or cold snaps.
BOILER
A boiler boils water to heat your home, with the hot water traveling through your pipes to radiators. Boilers tend to be quite hardy and can last for at least 15 years before needing to be replaced.
They also are very energy-efficient, using less fuel while still creating pleasant, consistent heat.
HEAT PUMPS
A heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat. In the winter, it pulls heat indoors to warm your space, while in the summer, it pushes heat outdoors to keep you cool.
This versatility is a great feature for homes in dynamic climates that swing between extreme temperatures.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HEATING SYSTEM NEEDS REPAIR?
We don't think about our heating systems much—until something goes wrong and we need emergency HVAC service. Here are some signs that indicate it's time to repair your heating system.
ODD SMELLS OR SOUNDS
Does your heating system smell musty? You may need to change the filters or clean out the vents. If your system smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, you likely have a gas leak that needs immediate attention.
SYSTEM STRUGGLES TO START
If you turn on your system, but it keeps blinking back off, you may have a deeper electrical issue. Whether you need to check your furnace or repair your heat pump, a heating professional can diagnose the problem quickly.
HOT AND COLD SPOTS
Sometimes one room is nice and warm, then another is ice cold. Inconsistent heating can come from clogged ductwork or poor ventilation.
SYSTEM CYCLES ON AND OFF
Does your heating system sometimes turn on, then randomly turn off? A faulty thermostat or electrical issue could be to blame.
Don’t wait for a cold snap to hit before you get your heating system serviced. Call our team for heating or furnace repair today if you notice any of these signs!
WHEN SHOULD YOU SERVICE YOUR HEATING SYSTEMS?
Your heating system should be serviced at least twice a year, such as once in the spring and once in the fall. A regular HVAC maintenance schedule is the best way to help ensure the longevity of your system.
IS THERE AN OPTIMAL THERMOSTAT SETTING DURING THE WINTER MONTHS?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an ideal winter setting is between 68 and 70 degrees during the day. Additionally, you can save energy by lowering it by eight or so degrees while you're away or during the night.
For our winter heating guide, we recommend keeping a close eye on your energy bills and comfort levels to find your ideal thermostat winter setting. It’ll take trial and error, but each household has unique details like its average home humidity in winter or lifestyle habits.
HOW CAN I REDUCE HEATING COSTS WITHOUT SACRIFICING COMFORT?
There are several small actions you can take to keep your home warm without increasing your energy bills. Learning how to keep the heat in your house this winter can also include weather stripping your doors and windows to trap warm air.
Additionally, smart thermostats help you keep a close eye on your home’s heat so you’re not accidentally using too much. They’ll also adjust your heating system independently while you’re out of the house.
IS IT WORTH INVESTING IN A NEW HEATING SYSTEM?
Absolutely. A new energy-efficient system will help you boost your comfort, save on energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint. Even better, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, now is a great time to purchase a new system.
While you will have to spend more upfront to install a new system, you could save hundreds on energy bills every year. You also won’t need quite as many repairs for a new system compared to an old, outdated model.
We offer furnace installation and heat pump installation so you can start enjoying a reliable, energy-efficient unit.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT HEATING SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME?
The right heating system for one home may be incompatible with another. Our winter heating guide includes analyzing several factors for a new installation, such as home size, climate, and budget.
When we provide homeowners with heating systems and services, we first provide thorough inspections to narrow down the best model.
UPGRADE YOUR HOME WITH AIR EXPERTS
The best heating system depends on many factors, including where you live, your budget, and your current system. When you need furnace repair or emergency HVAC services, remember Air Experts offers an exceptional service guarantee.
Our service area includes the Monmouth and Ocean Counties throughout New Jersey. Don’t take a chance on an old furnace or failing boiler. Schedule service today and enjoy your most comfortable New Jersey winter yet.