Houston Winter Heating Guide: 10 Money-Saving Tips for Lower Energy Bills
It is rare that homeowners in the Greater Houston area won’t have enough heat. Heating and cooling systems for homes and businesses are sized based on cooling capacity because the heating season is relatively short.
This means that matched HVAC systems installed in this area are often oversized for heat capacity. In practical terms, a heat pump, air conditioner and furnace, mini split, or dual fuel heating and cooling system will more than likely keep you toasty through the short winter.
But what else can you do to lower energy bills during Houston’s short, cool season?
1. Avoid Wide Temperature Fluctuations
Instead of turning off your heater at night, consider just turning your thermostat down a few degrees. When the weather is below freezing, which doesn’t happen often, it can take longer than most people expect for a heater to bring the indoor temperature up to a comfortable level.
You will end up using less electricity and fuel over time, if you keep your indoor temperature relatively steady.
2. Watch Your Humidity and Keep Windows Closed
Believe it or not the cool season is Houston’s rainy season, which means humidity levels will continue to feel tropical. This is why we do not recommend opening windows for long periods of time.
When windows are kept open, your heating and air conditioning system and possibly dehumidifier will be working overtime to filter out the moisture from the air.
You can monitor humidity levels from your smart thermostat. Shoot for less than 60% relative humidity according to ASHRAE standards. If your heater has been running a lot, you may find that your indoor humidity is around 40% which is close to the lower threshold that is recommended. We recommend between 50-60% relative humidity as a general rule.
3. Consider Adding a Programmable Smart Thermostat
Adding a programmable, smart thermostat to your existing heating and air conditioning system is an easy and relatively inexpensive upgrade. These accessories can help you save money even if your system is older.
Smart thermostats can optimize how your system operates, alert you if service is needed, and give you control over your system even when you’re away from home. You can even program in the price of energy (electricity and natural gas or propane), so it can help you save even more.
4. Choose Variable-speed Heat Pumps And/or Dual-Stage Condensing Furnaces When Replacing Your Heater
If you’re in the market for replacing a heating and cooling system, consider a multi-speed or variable-speed heat pump. These systems are very energy efficient and can run at lower speeds when you need them.
You can save a lot more money on your utility bills as compared to what we call on/off heating and cooling systems. These systems turn on at 100% power or turn off. Variable-speed systems save money, especially in the shoulder seasons when the weather is mild. They are calibrated to run at the optimal speed to keep you comfortable and remove humidity from the air.
New dual-stage condensing furnaces are another type of home heating appliance that is more efficient and can save you money.
We also sell dual fuel heating systems, which pair a heat pump with a condensing gas furnace, to give you the best of both worlds in terms of efficiency and heating capacity.
See all the most common heating systems we install all across Houston.
5. Consider Installing A Whole-Home Dehumidifier To Help Manage Houston’s Unique Humidity Challenges While Maintaining Comfort.
Depending on your heating and cooling system and how your home is insulated, you could benefit from installing a whole-home dehumidifier. Foam-insulated homes, in particular, often benefit from this additional appliance.
A dehumidifier installed for your whole home takes the hassle out of maintaining individual humidifiers placed all over the house and it can take the load off your AC.
Over time this can make your indoor environment more comfortable in addition to reducing utility bills.
6. Schedule Regular Heater Maintenance In The Fall To Ensure Optimal Performance During the Winter
Regular preventative maintenance for your heating and cooling system is an investment not only in your comfort but also in your system’s longevity. A heating and cooling system that is in good working order will cost you less over time. When we maintain heaters, we check all of the major systems like a tune-up in an automobile.
When AC systems are maintained, they operate optimally which can save you money.
7. Regularly Changing Air Filters Is A Must-Do
Air filters, whether you’re using 1-inch pleated filters or 4-inch media filters that fit to your furnace, keep your system clean and efficient. When they get clogged up, it can cause your heating system to work harder than it should.
When a heater cannot get enough air because of an air filter, it can cause parts to wear out if it goes on too long. Regularly changing air filters or hiring your favorite A/C and heating company to do it for you is an investment to reduce future hassle, unexpected repairs, and higher utility bills.
8. Adding Attic Insulation Can Reduce Your Energy Bill
Adding insulation into your attic is another way to reduce your energy bill and keep that warm air indoors. The fall, winter, and spring are the best times to inspect your attic to see if adding insulation could make a measurable difference.
Some types of attic insulation degrade over time. This is why you may have had plenty of insulation when you moved in the home, but don’t have enough now. Attic insulation can be conveniently blown in.
Adequate insulation will keep that warm air inside and reduce the amount of heat you’ll need to stay comfortable indoors.
9. Open Your Curtains on Sunny Days
This advice might seem the opposite of what you hear all year long. You can open your curtains and blinds during sunny days to take advantage of the sun’s rays warming up your home.
At night, close them up to retain heat. Circulate that warm by running your ceiling fan backwards to drive warm air down toward you. A small switch near the on/off switch on your ceiling fan is often all it takes.
10. Seal Air Leaks Around Windows And Doors
Hunting and sealing up air leaks around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk can be a low-cost way to stay warmer indoors and save on your utility bills.
For the price of caulk, a new door sweep, and weather stripping could keep you warmer and make your heater work more efficiently.
Trust Houston’s Premier A/C & Heating Experts
Count on the Castle A/C & Heating team for smart advice you can use to stay warm and save money. Set up a visit online or call us at (713) 667-7606, and let us show you our royal service.
Find out more about the heater repair, heater installation, and maintenance services we offer home and business owners across Houston from the Westside including Katy, Fulshear, and Sugar Land through the Energy Corridor and Memorial; Central Houston including River Oaks, West University, and Bellaire, and through far South Houston and the Bay area, including Clear Lake, Webster, Seabrook, and Kemah.
Photo credit: Canva.com / Pixelshot
