As of January 2024, the average cost of electric bills for homeowners in the U.S. is $138.90 per month. The state with the lowest average bill was Utah at $84.96, and the highest average bill was Hawaii at $228.04. Indiana and Michigan were averaging in the middle of these numbers at $130.63 and $119.58, respectively.

While homeowners may not be using their air conditioning system year-round, these statistics clearly indicate that energy costs are rising throughout the entire country. As a homeowner, you want to keep your AC bill and other necessary expenses as low as possible.

There are many things you can do to help keep your monthly energy bills low, from having your unit cleaned and serviced to scheduling a routine through your smart or programmable thermostat.

How Much Does Air Conditioning Increase an Electric Bill?

Your air conditioner often plays a significant role in determining your monthly energy bill, as it typically accounts for a substantial portion of your home’s energy consumption, especially during spring and summer months. The efficiency of your AC unit, along with factors such as the size of your home, local climate, and thermostat settings, can all impact how much energy your air conditioner uses.

For example, an older, inefficient AC unit is more likely to consume more energy, resulting in higher energy bills. A newer, more efficiently designed model, paired with energy-saving practices, can help lower monthly energy costs while maintaining comfort.

How to Lower Your AC Bill

Every house is different, which means you need to set your air conditioning system to specific settings to maximize comfort while sparing your wallet. Optimizing your AC’s energy efficiency doesn’t take a lot of time, work, or money. But, once you’ve figured out a setup that works for you, you can rest assured your energy bills will decrease while your comfort increases.

Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

The first thing to do is to know what’s causing your AC unit to use up more energy than it usually does. One of the most common culprits is often your thermostat. Your thermostat contributes to your energy bill more than you may think. These devices have complete control over your AC unit. Older manual thermostats are not equipped to handle modern AC units or energy requirements.

Installing a smart or programmable thermostat can drive energy savings. There are many benefits to installing one of these devices, including:

• Scheduling Capabilities: Smart and programmable thermostats optimize energy by allowing you to create a custom schedule for your AC and heating units. They’ll automatically adjust the temperature depending on your routine.
• Remote Access: You can control your smart thermostat with an app. This allows you to control the temperature and operation of your HVAC system no matter where you are.
• Learning Capabilities: Some programmable and smart thermostats use advanced learning algorithms to analyze usage patterns and adjust settings automatically, leading to a more energy-efficient unit.
• Energy Usage Insights: Smart thermostats offer detailed energy usage reports, enabling you to track HVAC consumption and identify efficiency opportunities, allowing you to adjust accordingly.

Invest in Regular AC Maintenance

One of the best ways to lower energy bills with your AC is to have your unit serviced by professional technicians every year. If you’re wondering why your AC is using so much power, it may need some simple tune-up services.

Skipping regular maintenance for your AC unit can increase your electricity bills. Components can break, connections can become loose, and there is most likely dust, dirt, and other debris building up in your air filters and air ducts.

Having a professional technician service your air conditioner will:

• Improve Energy Efficiency: Regular AC maintenance ensures that your system operates efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
• Extend Unit Lifespan: Routine maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your AC unit by addressing wear and tear and performing necessary repairs, saving you money on premature replacements.
• Enhance Cooling Performance: Proper maintenance keeps your AC system running smoothly, ensuring consistent and effective cooling throughout your home.
• Improve Indoor Air Quality: Regular maintenance includes cleaning or replacing air filters to remove dust, allergens, and pollutants from the air, making your home safer.
• Prevent Costly Repairs: Routine maintenance allows HVAC technicians to identify and fix any minor issues before they escalate into major, costly repairs, saving you both time and money in the long run.
• Comply With Your Warranty: Many AC manufacturers require proof of regular maintenance to uphold warranty coverage. By scheduling routine maintenance, you ensure compliance with warranty terms and avoid potential disputes over coverage for repairs or replacements.

Other Factors That Can Cause Your Home AC Energy Bill to Increase

Other factors may be making your AC unit exert more effort than usual. For example, your home’s interiors may be contributing to the high temperature. If there are rooms full of dark colors, they are likely to attract and absorb heat. This can be true for your walls, curtains, and even furniture.

Having a lot of objects at home also makes your space feel stuffier. These factors might be unavoidable, but they are worth considering if you want to lower your AC bills. Speak with an experienced HVAC technician who can help you maximize your cooling system’s performance.

Home Comfort Experts provides holistic air conditioning services in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. Whether you want to upgrade to a more energy-efficient air conditioner or you need thorough maintenance services, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our skilled AC technicians.

Ensuring adequate insulation for crawl spaces under the house is more than a practical measure; it’s a strategic move toward a cozier and energy-efficient living space.

Whether you have a ventilated or unventilated crawl space in your home, installing fiberglass insulation can help you keep monthly energy costs low and your home’s temperature accurate while protecting your belongings from damage.

Pros and Cons of Insulating Crawl Space

By sealing and insulating a crawl space, you can make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy costs. How you go about doing that depends on whether your crawl space is ventilated.

Older homes typically have ventilated crawl spaces, and newer houses are often built with unventilated crawl spaces. Unventilated crawl spaces require that you seal and insulate the foundation walls but not the subfloor.

Whether it’s ventilated or not, there are many benefits to insulating the crawl space, including:

• Significant Energy Savings: Proper insulation in the crawlspace helps control indoor temperatures while reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling, leading to energy cost savings.
• Improved Comfort: Insulation ensures a more consistent and comfortable indoor environment by minimizing temperature variations and drafts.
• Assists with Moisture Control: Insulation helps prevent moisture buildup, reducing the risk of mold, mildew, and wood rot, and maintaining a dry and healthy crawlspace.
• Prevents Pest Infestations: A well-insulated crawlspace can act as an obstruction to pests, preventing them from penetrating and nesting in the space.
• Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: By minimizing moisture and preventing the growth of mold, insulation leads to higher indoor air quality, which can reduce the risk of health problems like respiratory issues.

However, depending on your home and HVAC system, there may be some disadvantages to insulating your crawl space, such as:

• Initial Cost: The upfront cost of insulation materials and installation can be a drawback, although long-term energy savings often outweigh it.
• Vapor Barrier Considerations: In humid climates, the installation of a vapor barrier is essential, adding an extra step to the insulation process.
• Access Challenges: Crawlspace insulation may complicate access to utilities, making it more challenging to perform maintenance or repairs.

To better understand your insulation needs, speak to an experienced contractor who can inspect your crawl space and determine what’s best for your home.

How to Insulate a Crawl Space

Follow these steps as you insulate ductwork in a crawl space:

1. Seal the Floor Gaps: Begin by sealing all gaps on the floor over your crawl space. This crucial step prevents unwanted air leaks from infiltrating your living spaces.
2. Roll Out the Insulation: Unroll fiberglass insulation between the floor joists, securing it against the subfloor. This not only provides excellent thermal insulation but also helps in keeping your home’s temperature just right. Remember to seal the seams tight to fend off any winds trying to make their way in.
3. Fasten for Durability: Ensure its lifespan by using mechanical fasteners to secure the insulation firmly between the joists. This helps your insulation stays in place, maintaining its effectiveness over time.
4. Wrap it Up: Envelop the insulation with a house wrap or vapor barrier. This protective layer not only enhances the insulation’s performance but also adds an extra shield against external elements, creating a robust barrier for your crawl space.
5. Ensure Ground Protection: Safeguard the crawl space’s dirt floor by installing a vapor retarder. Seal all the seams meticulously, locking in the insulation benefits. To add a finishing touch, cover the retarder with a thin layer of sand for an extra layer of protection. Avoid crushed gravel, as it might jeopardize the material’s integrity.

How Much Does It Cost to Insulate a Crawl Space?

The crawl space insulation cost is dependent on the size of your home and what exactly you have done. Insulating your crawl space typically comes with a cost range of $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot, resulting in an average overall cost of $500 to $3,700. More specifically, opting for spray foam insulation beneath your house comes with a price tag of $2 to $5 per square foot.

For the best outcome, have your crawl space insulated by professional technicians. They will examine your crawl space and help you choose the right materials. They can also properly place the insulation, freeing you of any inconveniences in the future.

If you need professional assistance with insulating your crawl space, reach out to our team at Home Comfort Experts. We’ll thoroughly inspect your crawl space and advise you on the best method to complete the job.

Contact us today for crawl space insulation in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.

Are you considering furnace replacement, but worried about your energy bills? Compared to old furnaces, new heating systems are more efficient and help lower electric bills. While this is true, it’s also crucial to ensure that your new furnace isn’t consuming too much energy. Listed below are some tips that can help lower your energy bills.

Replace Filter

About every three months, replace your heating unit’s air filters. Clogged filters can’t effectively draw air. This causes your furnace to work extra hard which increases energy consumption. Air filters can easily be swapped out and they help your heating unit run efficiently especially during the colder months.

Seal Drafts

Drafts allow warmed air to escape from your home, causing your furnace to work harder to heat rooms. Areas where drafts occur include windows and doors. Specially designed shrink wrap kits could be used to seal windows. Be sure to replace crumbled window caulking and ineffective weather stripping on doors.

Insulate Your Home

A lack of effective insulation will cause your furnace to work harder and increase energy bills throughout the year. Some examples of insulation include blankets, loose fills, and foam. Cover areas that are susceptible to cold. Be sure to read the Department of Energy’s insulation fact sheet for more information.

Program the Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are highly recommended because they use less energy to heat your home. You may be able to save up to 15% on energy usage since your furnace won’t need to work as hard throughout the day. Wi-Fi connected thermostats are quite intuitive too since you can adjust the settings from your phone or tablet.

Schedule Furnace Tune-ups

One of the best ways to reduce energy bills is to have your furnace regularly inspected and serviced by a professional. These can be done immediately once tune-ups became necessary. Furnace operations may become more efficient which saves you money over time. It can help prolong your heating unit’s lifespan too.

Turn to Home Comfort Experts!

Following the tips above can help ensure the efficiency of your furnace and lowered energy bills. When you need HVAC services such as furnace replacement, repair, installation, or maintenance, Home Comfort Experts has you covered! Reach out to our team today!

Before the winter approaches, property owners should always schedule a furnace tune-up and making sure their pipes are in good condition. Doing so helps prepare for the cold weather, so they won’t have to worry about emergency pipe repairs. Here are some tips to follow to keep pipes from freezing:

Keep Pipes Insulated

Freezing water expands, which may rupture your home’s pipes. Using insulation is relatively cheap and helps preserve your tubing system’s integrity through winter. Pay close attention to unheated areas of your home and consider fiberglass, polyethylene, or foam insulation for your pipes. You may also use duct tape and newspapers temporarily.

Heating cables could be used as insulation too. Just wrap them around the pipes. They are steadily heated by electricity and keep the temperature inside and outside of pipes at a specific level. This prevents water from freezing.

Another option would be an electrical heating tape. It is powered by electricity as well and may be wrapped around pipes. The self-monitoring type uses a sensor to determine if your tubing system needs more heat. Meanwhile, the manual version just needs to be plugged in to start producing heat immediately.

Leave Faucets On

Leaving your faucets on may help prevent frozen pipes. Determine which ones are often exposed to the cold, and then turn those on. Running water carries internal energy that creates friction and a small amount of heat, alleviating any pressure build-up caused by freezing cold water. This prevents any ice blockages from forming too.

Keep Thermostat Settings Consistent

When your thermostat is set at the same temperature night and day, you won’t have to worry about your pipes bursting at different parts of your home. Keeping your home’s indoor temperatures at a specific level efficiently can also help prevent icing through cold winter days and nights.

Keep the Heat On

When leaving your home, keep your heater on. If your furnace is left off during winter, low indoor temperatures may cause pipes to freeze and burst. Leaving the thermostat at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit can help. The cost of repairing pipes is more than any accrued electric or gas bill over time.

Hire the Professionals of Home Comfort Experts

Be winter-ready by scheduling a furnace tune-up and making sure that your pipes are in good condition. In case you need plumbing or HVAC services, Home Comfort Experts can help! Our team can handle your plumbing and HVAC concerns 24/7. Call us today to learn more!

When it comes to hiring reliable HVAC services, it’s always a daunting task to look for someone you can trust. However, the search will be worth it if you find a great HVAC mechanic who can perform accurate assessments and high-quality repairs. Here are some tips that can help narrow down your search for the right professional.

Do Your Research

Searching online for HVAC contractors shows many results, so how will you determine which one to hire? Start by looking at the reviews on each company’s Google, Yelp, or Facebook page. Check if they also have a high rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This indicates that the company strives to address any of your concerns, even after the work has been done. You can rest assured knowing that businesses recognized by the BBB are all legitimate.

Another way to find good licensed contractors is by asking your family, friends, or neighbors for recommendations. They can give you first-hand insight into whether they had a good or bad experience while working with a specific company.

Check Their Certifications

Skills, knowledge, and years of experience are the top qualities that HVAC professionals should have. They must also carry certifications from organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or North American Technician Excellence (NATE). These documents guarantee that the prospective technician underwent rigorous exams, has an updated knowledge base, and can adequately perform necessary skills effectively.

Make sure to ask the heating and cooling company if their team is certified. You can also inquire about their mechanics’ licenses, any insurance coverage for performed services, or other pertinent information to ensure your family and property are well-protected.

Ask About Home Evaluation

When you need to have your HVAC unit replaced, beware of contractors that only provide estimates over the phone. Keep in mind that a legitimate technician should visit your home, so they can inspect your unit and take measurements. This allows them to give an accurate estimate.

The contractor should also check the duct system and insulation in case some problems in these parts need to be addressed. Once a full inspection is complete, the mechanic will recommend the type of HVAC unit that will best fit your home.

Hire an HVAC Mechanic From Home Comfort Experts!

You can never go wrong with choosing a company that prioritizes customer satisfaction. Here at Home Comfort Experts, we provide reliable and high-quality heating and cooling services such as maintenance, repair, installation, equipment replacement, and others. Get in touch with us today and schedule an appointment!

Summertime is here again, and one way to beat the heat is turning on the air conditioner. However, monthly energy bills can increase since the AC has to run continuously to keep the home cool. Luckily, there are ways to cut down costs without enduring the sweltering temperature.

Upgrade Your Windows

Consider investing in energy-efficient windows. They are specifically manufactured to provide better insulation, minimize heat conduction, and decrease solar radiation. Optimum heat dispersion is important when it comes to indoor temperature control since sunlight becomes more intense during the summer. The casements can be purchased at any construction or hardware store and are worth the upgrade.  

Utilize Ceiling Fans

Don’t hesitate to use ceiling fans since they help in circulating cool air. They can take some of the AC unit’s workload, which keeps energy costs low. They also consume less wattage than an HVAC unit. So you can install one in each room and use them instead if you don’t need the AC. This way, you increase your home’s power efficiency.

Replace the Air Filters

Air filters prevent dust from entering an AC unit. The particles can obstruct vents and cause poor air circulation inside the home. Meanwhile, dirty air filters can cause a unit to work harder to get air into the system. Consider replacing them every two to three months, or more often than that if you have kids or pets. They are very affordable and can be easily swapped out.

Inspect the Duct Work

Air ducts can be filled with dust or debris, which decreases airflow efficiency. Leaks may also occur, which diverts heated or cooled air elsewhere, leading to an increased HVAC workload and energy consumption costs. Consider having a professional HVAC mechanic to inspect the ducts to ensure optimum unit functionality and save more money.  

Adjust Indoor Temperature

Adjusting indoor temperatures helps save you money. Let your HVAC unit run at a temperature that matches the outdoors when you’re not at home. This will cause the unit to consume far less power when you change it back to your preferred level. 

For example, during hotter seasons, set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when you’re outdoors. Then, turn it down to a cooler 74 or 72 degrees when you get back. Smart thermostats perform this process automatically to ensure you come home to your preferred climate settings. As a result, these devices save you even more with continued use.

Get Regular Unit Maintenance

Ensuring an HVAC unit is well maintained will improve its efficiency and help decrease energy consumption. Having it regularly maintained by a professional ensures that the entire air conditioning system at home runs at an optimum level for years to come.

Reach Out to a Skilled Technician!

Home Comfort Experts is a family run company that provides exceptional air conditioning and furnace repair, maintenance, and installation services. Whenever your air conditioner needs servicing, our team has you covered! Contact us today to learn more about our indoor air quality solutions.

During hotter seasons in Indiana and Michigan, homeowners might be more concerned with their air conditioning than anything else. However, there’s one thing that’s just as overly used as an AC unit—your plumbing. Just imagine coming home from a morning run or a day at the beach. What better way to freshen up than a cold shower, right?

Surely, the last thing that you’d want is a faulty piping system. However, if you do encounter issues, it’s important to get help from certified plumbers in Fort Wayne, Mishawaka, St. Joseph, MI, or the service center nearest you. To determine if you should enlist one, here are some common hot weather plumbing problems that need proper servicing:

Leaky Pipes

Understandably, homeowners are likely to use their swimming pools, garden hoses, etc. over the summer. This, however, can put too much strain on your plumbing system, causing it to leak. When this occurs, get help from a professional as it might need replacing.

Clogged Drainage System

Summertime means hosting more trips to the beach with your loved ones. While this might sound amazing for you, it might not be the case for your plumbing system. Pebbles, sand and other dirt can accumulate in your pipes and result in blocked drains. Have a professional extract and unclog these for you. The best practice is to also install a cover that will catch these types of small debris.

Broken or Cracked Pipes

Ultraviolet rays can cause your plumbing to crack or break down. This is especially true for pipes that are exposed under the sun for hours on end. Once you notice these issues, have it replaced by a licensed plumber immediately. Keep in mind to observe proper insulation as well to avoid experiencing the same problem in the future.

Get Help from Highly Experienced Plumbing Experts

At Home Comfort Experts, we provide high-quality plumbing services in Indiana. If you encounter any of the above-mentioned issues, be sure to contact our plumbers in Fort Wayne, Columbia City, LaPorte, Mishawaka, and other locations.

Apart from doing plumbing work, our company also offers other HVAC services like air conditioning and furnace maintenance and repair. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment.

There are a variety of different ways you can heat your home. With winter in full swing, you want to be sure that you and your loved ones are warm and cozy all winter long. That is why you need to be sure you have the right heating system for your home. However, it can be hard to know which heating system is right for you and your home. One of the most popular types of heating systems is mini-split systems, also known as ductless heating systems. We are going to break down exactly what mini-split systems are and if they are right for your home heating solution.

What Are Mini-Split Systems?

When it comes to heating your home, you want to be sure that you have a reliable, energy-efficient system that is well prepared to handle the job of keeping you warm throughout the winter. While there are many different types of heating systems available on the market today, one of the most sought-after systems are mini-split systems. When you employ a heating system that requires ductwork, which is found in the majority of homes and businesses, you can consistently lose energy due to the way heat is dispersed throughout your home. In a mini-split system, energy use is greatly reduced and less energy is lost through the ducts.

 

Mini-splits do not utilize ductwork. This is why they are often referred to as ductless systems. While there are other ductless systems, mini-split systems are far easier and more convenient than their counterparts. Many other ductless systems utilize an external heating source such as water heaters or space heaters that utilize kerosene or propane. Mini-split systems give you the benefits of a ductless system without the negatives associated with external heating sources.

How Do Mini-Split Systems Work?

Mini-splits are comprised of two major components. A compressor or condenser is located outside of the home. An air-handling unit is located inside of the home. These separate components are linked via a power cable, condensate drain, refrigerant, and suction tubing. These functions work together to produce heating and air conditioning throughout your home. This allows the installation of mini-split systems to be a quick and convenient process.

Advantages of Mini-Split Systems

There are many advantages to mini-split systems when it comes to heating your home. When it comes to effectively heating individual rooms or zones within a home, mini-split systems are highly effective. This efficiency has to do with the individual air-handling units that are placed within a given room or area in the home. These units can be adjusted to heat only those rooms which are currently being occupied, unlike conventional heating methods, which provide heat uniformly throughout a home. In most cases, better insulation of a home will have an impact on the overall efficiency of the individual air-handling unit. This can help homeowners save quite a bit of energy costs throughout the year.

 

Maintaining existing interior design is far easier when utilizing mini-splits. This is because the air-handling components provide a number of placement options, which is not always the case when installing other types of add-on systems. Air-handlers can be affixed to a wall, suspended from the ceiling, and even mounted into drop ceilings. There is also the option of floor models, which can be beneficial for certain circumstances.

 

Mini-split systems are incredibly easy to install. In fact, your trusted HVAC technician could have your mini-split system installed in just one day! With improved energy efficiency and the ability to custom heat every individual room in your house, having a mini-split system installed by a trusted professional in your home is a no brainer.

Are Mini-Split Systems Good For Heating Your Home?

Mini-split systems are great for both heating and cooling your home. A mini-split system with a heat pump will ensure you and your loved ones are warm all winter long. With granular temperature control, you can set each room to your exact specifications to ensure you are always as cozy as possible. In fact, these electric, high-efficiency, heat-pump systems are designed to heat and cool your living spaces to within a half of a degree and use up to 40 percent less energy than traditional heating and cooling methods. If you are looking to save money on energy costs, looking to have a consistent heating system throughout your home, and are looking to save money, then mini-split systems are right for you!

Conclusion

If your heating system is failing or you are just looking for a change, it may be time to contact a trusted HVAC company to assist you with the transition. Home Comfort Experts’ certified technicians will assist you in the inspection and replacement of your old heating and cooling system with a new, updated, and energy-friendly mini-split system.

 

If you contact the experienced, friendly, and professionals at Home Comfort Experts, they will perform their signature 20-point maintenance and safety inspection. This in-depth inspection goes further than any competitor to ensure every single part of your system is thoroughly inspected and serviced. Ask about joining the Comfort Club, Home Comfort Expert’s exclusive membership that guarantees appointments and provides valuable free services and discounts on repairs. Contact the heating and cooling professionals at Home Comfort Experts today to learn about the ways we can help you. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan from our 12 locations. Give us a call at (574) 255-4600 to learn about our full complement of heating, cooling and plumbing services.

Winter is finally here. That means temperatures will continue to drop as most homeowners get their heating systems fired up as they begin to hunker down for the cold winter months to come. If you have neglected your heating and cooling systems for too long, you could find yourself left out in the cold this winter. Nearly 75% of all heating system or furnace service calls that are made during the winter could have been avoided with regular system maintenance. You need to be sure that your family isn’t left to freeze this winter. Here are some HVAC maintenance tips for wintertime comfort and cost savings:

Clean Or Replace Air Filters

Even though it is one of the simplest and easiest ways to ensure your heating system is running smoothly, many people fail to clean or replace their air filters over the course of the year. It is important to understand why air filters are necessary for the health of your heating and cooling system. Air filters hold an important function in keeping your family safe. In fact, they protect against mold, pollen, animal fur, bacteria/microorganisms, dust and dirt, fibers and lint, and metal, plaster, or wood particles. The air filtration occurs when the disbursed air is sucked back into the HVAC system where it is then conditioned and used again.

When your heating system or furnace has dirty or clogged air filters, it unnecessarily drives up energy bills and causes problems in your system. When airflow is blocked it causes system malfunctions and equipment damage. In order to prevent this, be sure to check your air filters at least once a month, especially during the fall and winter when your heating system is working harder.

Have Your Air Vents Cleaned

Much like air filters, your air vents play a crucial role in the maintenance of your system. Just as we clean our homes to get rid of nasty dust and dirt particles off of the floor and carpet, your air vents need to be cleaned too. With that being said, it is best to leave this to the professionals as their vacuums are more powerful than the standard household vacuum which allows the ducts to be cleaned more thoroughly. Most of the contaminants and particulates in the air that passes through your HVAC system are trapped in the air filter, but, over time, some are able to pass through and build up in the ductwork. One easy way to stay on top of your air vent cleaning is to have a professional perform the cleaning at the same time they perform your air filter cleaning.

If you are seeing that your air vents have built up an excessive amount of dust and debris, you may need to have them cleaned by a certified HVAC professional. Having your air vents professionally cleaned helps to prevent blockages and indoor air pollution. With a clean air vent, warm air will be able to flow freely, easing temperature regulation throughout your home. 

Check Your Insulation

Insulation is one of the most important lines of defense when it comes to keeping the cold out of your home during winter. In fact, insulation plays a huge role in regulating the overall energy efficiency of your home. With poor insulation, you may have certain rooms that always feel cold despite the heat running at a comfortable temperature. This causes your energy bills to spike and leaves you feeling uncomfortable throughout different areas of your home. The more heat you are able to keep inside, the less your heating system gas to work to keep the temperature consistent.

The first thing to check is your attic insulation. If you aren’t sure if your insulation is adequate, contact a certified HVAC technician to inspect and diagnose your insulation needs. There are many different types of insulation and a professional will be able to assist you in choosing the right fit for your home.

Program Your Thermostat

Sometimes, an inefficient heating system is all due to thermostat usage. Are you properly using your thermostat to help you keep energy costs down while remaining comfortable in your own home? Having a programmable thermostat will enable you to turn the temperature down during times when you are not home and automatically adjust to times when you are. This ensures you are not wasting energy while you are not home. In fact, you can save as much as 10% a year on your energy costs by simply turning your thermostat back by 7-10° for up to 8 hours a day.

Have Your HVAC System Inspected

Have you performed all of these tasks yet still find your heating system unreliable and inefficient? It may be time for a routine maintenance checkup by a certified HVAC professional technician. Having your HVAC system inspected regularly by a licensed professional ensures that it is running properly no matter the time of the year. Now is the time to have your system inspected before a minor malfunction turns into a complete catastrophe that leaves you without heat in the freezing cold of winter. By turning to a trusted and knowledgeable professional, you can ensure you are comfortable all year long.

Replace Your HVAC System

Like all things, you HVAC system has a lifespan. Unfortunately, that means that eventually it will fail and you will need to have it replaced with a newer, more efficient model. If you have had your HVAC system thoroughly maintained and inspected yet are still having a myriad of problems with your system, it may be time for a replacement. HVAC systems that are older than 10-15 years old are highly inefficient and cause a multitude of problems for you and your family. Working with a certified HVAC professional will ensure that you get the HVAC system that is right for you and your family. 

Conclusion

If you contact the experienced, friendly, and professionals at Home Comfort Experts, they will perform their signature 20-point maintenance and safety inspection. This in-depth inspection goes further than any competitor to ensure every single part of your system is thoroughly inspected and serviced. Ask about joining the Comfort Club, Home Comfort Expert’s exclusive membership that guarantees appointments and provides valuable free services and discounts on repairs. Contact the heating and cooling professionals at Home Comfort Experts today to learn about the ways we can help you. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan from our 12 locations. Give us a call at (574) 255-4600 to learn about our full complement of heating, cooling and plumbing services.