How to Keep Your Home Warm and Energy Efficient This Winter
As winter approaches in Colorado Springs, keeping your home warm while managing energy costs is a top priority. A properly maintained heating system, combined with energy-saving strategies, can improve comfort, reduce bills, and prevent costly breakdowns. This guide will walk you through the steps to keep your home warm and efficient this winter.
1. Schedule Professional Furnace Maintenance
A pre-winter furnace inspection and tune-up ensures your system operates safely and efficiently. Technicians will:
- Cleaning the burners, sensors, and cabinet
- Inspecting all wiring and safety components
- Testing for carbon monoxide and checking for gas leaks
- Inspecting the blower wheel and motor for proper operation
- If the blower wheel requires removal and cleaning, an additional service fee will apply.
As a courtesy, we provide an air filter replacement during service when possible. We do our best to keep a wide range of filter sizes in stock; however, uncommon sizes are not always available. In those cases, a courtesy filter is not provided.
Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your system running efficiently throughout the season.
2. Replace or Clean Air Filters
Dirty filters restrict airflow and force your heating system to work harder, increasing energy costs and wear on components.
Action Steps:
- Replace disposable filters every 30–90 days.
- Clean reusable filters according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Inspect more frequently if you have pets or high household activity.
3. Seal Drafts and Insulate
Heat loss through windows, doors, and attics can waste energy. Simple steps include:
- Adding weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows
- Inspecting attic and crawl space insulation
- Using door sweeps and window insulation film in drafty areas
Sealing drafts can improve comfort and reduce heating costs.
4. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A programmable or smart thermostat helps you maintain consistent temperatures while saving energy:
- Lower the temperature when your home is empty or at night
- Schedule heating cycles based on daily routines
- Monitor energy usage with smart thermostat apps
5. Check for Safety Issues
Winter heating systems must operate safely:
- Test carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
- Look for unusual odors, soot, or signs of wear around your HVAC system
6. Upgrade for Energy Efficiency
Small improvements can make a big impact on comfort and energy savings:
- Seal and insulate ducts
- Install a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump
- Upgrade windows to energy-efficient models
- Consider zoning systems for targeted heating in high-use areas
Why Choose Reliable Heating & Cooling for Winter Prep
At Reliable Heating & Cooling, we help Colorado Springs homeowners keep their homes safe, warm, and energy-efficient. Our services include:
- Furnace inspections and tune-ups
- Air filter replacement and maintenance
- Duct and vent inspections
- Thermostat installation or replacement
Schedule your winter HVAC preparation today to enjoy comfort and efficiency all season.
Call us at 719-377-7303 or submit your inquiry online!
FAQs
Q: How often should I service my furnace before winter?
A: At least once a year, ideally in early fall before heavy use.
Q: How can I reduce heating costs in winter?
A: Replace filters, seal drafts, insulate your home, and use a programmable thermostat.
Q: What are signs my heating system needs maintenance?
A: Uneven heat, strange noises, higher energy bills, or thermostat issues.