As Hoosiers, we understand how important heat is in the bitterly cold winter months.

Even with temperatures hovering just above zero, you can keep a handle on your heating bill by helping your energy efficient heating system do what it’s built to do—keep you comfortable at the lowest possible cost and with the least amount of energy required.

Your best bet to keep costs low is to maximize the use of the warm air you created (and paid for!). Since any lost heat is lost money, your overall goal is to reduce the amount of heat that’s wasted. Try these simple steps to get the most out of your system.

Seal cracks and leaks

Check for cracks, holes and gaps that may be letting heat escape to the outdoors and letting cold air in. Look first around windows and doors. Also check the areas where pipes and wiring enter your home. Seal any cracks or gaps with caulking, insulation or other weatherproof materials.

Keep ductwork in shape

If not properly installed or maintained, your ductwork could be leaking warm air. For the ducts you can access, check that each section is fit snugly and that they are not damaged. Seal connections with mastic sealant or metal-backed tape. For help evaluating the condition of ductwork that is not easily accessible, find a qualified contractor who specializes in ductwork repair.

Heat only the areas you use

Heating rooms that you rarely use wastes energy and drives your bill up. Close vents in basements, offices, storage rooms or other areas that aren’t frequently used.

Install a programmable thermostat

Smart and programmable thermostats give you more control over when and how much you heat your home. Set your thermostat to a lower temperature setting during the times that you’re away from home and program it to start warming your home just before you return. Smart systems can even learn your habits and adjust the programming schedule based on your usage.

Keep up routine maintenance

Preventative maintenance is one of the easiest ways to keep your system running efficiently. Regularly changing your air filter and getting an annual tune-up from a qualified technician can help keep your system from working too hard.

Know when it’s time to replace

Modern heating systems are far more energy-efficient than older models and investing in a new one can save you significant money in the long run. If you’re having trouble keeping your home comfortable and are dealing with rising energy costs, consider the age and condition of your unit. Do your research to understand the pros and cons of installing a furnace, boiler or heat pump and consider:

• Your climate: will you be primarily heating or cooling?
• The size of your home: how much of your house will you be heating and how much space is available for a new system?
• The age and construction of your home: the existing infrastructure may impact on which systems are options for you and which types of fuel you can use.

For honest, professional advice about your current system and whether you could benefit from an upgrade, give us a call.

Hoosier Indoor Air has experience installing and servicing every type of heating system on the market. And with a Comfort Guard heating and cooling protection plan, you can get a head start on your energy efficiency heating checklist. We’ll take care of your annual maintenance, inspection and cleaning, plus give you priority customer service and a discount on service repairs.