The weather in the middle of winter can be taxing for those of you longing for the heat of the summer sun. You have tried your best to prepare for the cold by buying clothes with extra insulation and winterizing all the equipment in your house. Instead of braving the cold outside, residents are opting to stay home to keep themselves warm and toasty, meaning most Charlotte, NC heating systems are running constantly twenty-four hours a day.

The colder the winter, the higher your energy consumption becomes. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “heating accounts for 34% of all annual utility usage and is part of what makes the average home emit twice the amount of carbon dioxide than a typical vehicle.” Paying for an expensive energy bill, on top of all the spending you usually do during the holidays, is a hard hit to most household’s already tight wallet.

We may not be able to change the weather, but there are some simple methods that you can try to make sure you consume less energy and save more money:

Seal Cracks and Holes around the House

Keep out the cold drafts and pests by caulking up cracks around windows and doors. Also, seal heating and cooling air ducts to increase their performance. This method alone will increase duct efficiency by 20%.

Replace Your Furnace Filter Regularly

It’s imperative for home owners to understand that furnace filters should be checked at least once a month and replaced at least once every 3 months. Furnace filters keep the air clean and safe, so if the filter experiences dust buildup, air will have a harder time moving efficiently and the system will have to use more energy to keep the room warm.

Adjust Your Temperature

Setting your temperature just a little bit lower while you’re asleep can save you about 10% on your electric bill. Instead of setting the thermostat every day, install a programmable one so that it will automatically change its temperature during the time you prefer.

Have Your Heating Systems Regularly Maintained

An effective heating system will consume less energy and work more efficiently, therefore it is vital for home owners to have it checked and maintained by heating and air conditioning professionals at least once a year. Hiring Charlotte, NC HVAC specialists like Patterson Heating and Air ensures that your system is in tip-top shape and helps you save money in the long run.

(Source: 14 Winter Home Improvements That Save You Cash, U.S. News, November 21, 2014)