Tips to prepare your home for cooler weather

With an average January low of 33°, Sherman, Texas, winters are relatively mild, but you still want to keep energy costs low. Here are some tips to help you save on home heating this winter:

Install Weatherstripping

Check for drafts by lighting a candle and moving it around doorways. Where there are leaks, the candle flame will blow toward you. Use foam or felt weatherstripping from the hardware store to seal door frames.

Install Attic Insulation

Insulation keeps warm air from leaking out and cold air from getting in. In Texas, R38 insulation is recommended for attics. You can also insulate basements and crawl spaces to save even more.

Schedule Furnace or Heater Maintenance

Heat pumps and furnaces need service every fall. Your HVAC technician will prime your system for high performance and efficient operation. Heating tuneups can reduce operational costs by up to 40 percent while preventing up to 95 percent of potential system breakdowns.

Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Programmable thermostats can automatically turn down the heat when you’re away from home or asleep. According to Energy Star, they can save you up to $180 annually. Smart thermostats “learn” your habits and adjust temperatures according to your preferences.

Clean and Seal Ductwork

Homeowners can save up to 30 percent on energy costs by cleaning and sealing ductwork leaks, says Energy Star. Leaky ducts can make homes drafty and hard to heat. Duct cleaning also rids ducts of pollutants like dust mites, spores, microbes, pests, dander, pollen, dirt and debris for cleaner indoor air.

Change your filter every month. Dirty filters impair heating efficiency and increase energy bills. To learn more about how maintenance improves comfort and lowers heating costs, visit Webb’s Electric Heating & Air or call (903) 200-4584 to schedule furnace or heater maintenance.

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