Winter can be harsh, and heating costs can spiral if your heating system is not properly maintained. Regular seasonal maintenance of your heating system can guarantee its longevity and lower your energy bills.

Here are a few ways regular maintenance can help you save on energy bills.

Thermostat Calibration

Regular maintenance of your heating system includes an important step known as thermostat calibration. This process ensures that the thermostat accurately reads and regulates the temperature in your home. An improperly calibrated thermostat can cause your system to run longer and work harder than necessary, leading to excess energy consumption and higher utility bills.

Calibrating your thermostat involves adjusting it to accurately control the temperature settings in your home based on the readings it receives. If a thermostat is out of calibration, it may cause your heating system to cycle on and off too frequently or infrequently, resulting in inconsistent indoor temperatures and inefficient operation.

For instance, if your thermostat is set for 70 degrees but is out of calibration and doesn't signal your heating system to turn on until the temperature drops to 65 degrees, you're likely to overuse your system, wasting energy and money.

Regularly calibrating your thermostat during maintenance can help you achieve a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature while optimizing energy use.

A correctly calibrated thermostat responds appropriately to temperature changes in your home, triggering your heating system to operate at the right times. This efficient operation reduces unnecessary energy usage, helping lower utility bills. Regular maintenance, including thermostat calibration, is thus an essential step in energy conservation and cost savings.

Check for Drafts 

Drafts are areas where outside air infiltrates your home, typically around windows, doors, and other openings. In the winter months, when your heating system is working to keep your home warm, drafts allow the heated air to escape while letting the cold air in. This forces your heating system to run more frequently to compensate for the heat loss, using more energy in the process.

For example, if you have a drafty window, your heating system may continually cycle on and off to replace the warm air that's escaping, consuming more energy and driving up your heating costs.

During regular maintenance, a technician can inspect the home for drafts and identify potential air leakage. This inspection can help detect any areas of the home where energy is being wasted, allowing you to make the necessary repairs or adjustments.

Sealing cracks and openings, installing weatherstripping, and adding insulation can help reduce air infiltration from the outside and make your home more energy efficient.

For more info, contact a local heating contractor.