A clean furnace is an efficient furnace. If you’re looking to save money on energy bills, you should start by having your furnace checked and cleaned. While this isn’t the cheapest way to save on home heating costs, it is one of the most effective. Do not contact the cheapest contractor to service your unit – do your homework and find one that will perform a quality service. A furnace needs a tune up just as an Air Conditioner does. A poorly tuned furnace will use more fuel and burn dirty producing more potentially dangerous exhaust gases. Furnaces and heat exchangers wear out regardless of brand or grade level. The main reason for failure is an improper install and lack of periodic maintenance.

2. Change Your Air Filter

For less than $20 you can change the air filter on your furnace. A dirty air filter will block the airflow from your furnace and can actually decrease the furnace’s life expectancy. There are a myriad of filters available on the market today ranging from the older style that you can see through to very high efficiency pleated filters. Installing a filter that is too efficient for your system can be as detrimental to your furnaces efficiency and the units life expectancy. Permanent washable filters are almost always a very bad option as even new they can reduce airflow by 50% of a standard filter. Depending on your geographic location and climate your HVAC system needs 300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) to 500 CFM’s of airflow through the system. Generally speaking an HVAC system with just one return air grill has insufficient airflow. A good rule of thumb formula to determine available airflow is length X width of grill X 2 = CFM (20X25=500X2=1000 CFM). If your total CFM of return air grill is less than 400 CFM per ton use less efficient filters.

3. Use Your Ceiling Fans

This advice may sound counter-intuitive, but you should actually use your ceiling fans during the winter. A ceiling fan set in reverse can draw warm air through your home, helping to keep it warm.

4. Keep Shades Up and Blinds Open

Take advantage of natural daylight and solar heat through your windows. Rather than having light bulbs running all day, keep your shades and blinds open and you’ll be able to make use of the natural sunlight and the warmth that naturally comes from the sun.

5. Install and Use a Programmable Thermostat

If you talk to any heating and cooling specialist, they will tell you that one of the best things to do in order to save money on your energy bills is to install a programmable thermostat. You’ll be able to program the thermostat to reduce the heat in your home when you’re away and when you’re asleep. Check with your HVAC contractor – there maybe thermostats designed just for the specific equipment in your home that has special functions to improve system comfort and efficiency.

6. Seal Leaks

If you have air leaks in your home, seal them up with caulk or weather strips. Drafts can add significantly to your home heating costs during the winter, so make sure that you locate and seal off any drafts in your home. Most importantly do not overlook your HAVC ducting. There have been numerous studies that show that the average residential duct system leaks 15% to 20% of the conditioned air you paid for.