Tips for Heating Gainesville Homes

Living in Gainesville, we understand heating in a unique way compared to other parts of the country. Actually, during most months, your heating system likely remains unused. Still, the majority of Gainesville residences are equipped with heating systems, with 81% utilizing either furnaces or heat pumps for warmth.

Regular maintenance is essential for both your air conditioning system and your heater! While we may not rely on our heaters as frequently as residents in northern regions, we understand that discovering a non-functioning system when you need it most is highly frustrating.

But don’t worry; heating solutions are available in Gainesville—from basic tasks like replacing your heating system’s filter to upgrading to new equipment, you can reduce energy consumption, decrease utility bills, and contribute to environmental conservation.

Five Steps to Saving Heating Energy… By Degrees

Gainesville Homeowners can improve their heating equipment efficiency by taking one or more of the following steps:

1. Get a Checkup By a Qualified Heating Contractor in Gainesville.

To maximize the efficiency of your furnace or heat pump system, proper heating installation and regular maintenance are essential. When a system lacks correct installation or ongoing upkeep, you’ll experience decreased performance, poor moisture regulation, and diminished comfort levels. It’s recommended to select an HVAC contractor whose technicians hold certification from North American Technician Excellence (NATE).

FACT: Equipment ratings alone don’t tell the whole story about efficiency. A heating and cooling unit’s performance can drop by up to 50 percent below its rated efficiency if it’s incorrectly sized, paired, or set up. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that over half of residential heating systems across the United States fail to meet their efficiency ratings due to poor installation practices.

2. Upgrade Heating Equipment.

A quick way to lower your utility costs is to upgrade outdated heating equipment. Recent technological innovations have resulted in modern systems that consume less power compared to previous models. These energy-efficient solutions, known as “green” systems, deliver optimal savings when properly installed. Given the wide range of eco-friendly options currently in the market, customers can select products that align with their financial capabilities.

FACT: Twenty-five percent of home furnaces across America have exceeded two decades in age. Air conditioners typically function for 10-15 years. While some units operate beyond their expected lifespan, their efficiency decreases over time, making replacement potentially more cost-effective and could SAVE money.

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat and Use It Properly.

Installing a smart thermostat correctly can help Gainesville homeowners reduce their annual energy costs by approximately $180. Making a modest two-degree adjustment to temperature settings enables households to cut energy expenses by 10 percent while maintaining comfort levels. Lowering thermostat settings during daily absences leads to substantial energy cost reductions without compromising comfort.

FACT: Modern “Smart Thermostats” help reduce costs by offering customized recommendations for energy bill savings. They guide you on optimal temperature settings, showing you how to adjust levels when you’re present versus when the house is empty.

4. Change Filter.

Changing your HVAC system’s filter every 30-60 days is one of the most effective methods to lower your household’s energy expenses. When filters become clogged, they force your system to expend more energy pulling in air, significantly decreasing its operational efficiency.

FACT: The energy savings can exceed the filter’s purchase price by 10 times for basic pleated filters and by four to five times for premium high-efficiency filters. This demonstrates how filters can recover their cost by maintaining your system’s peak performance levels.

5. Seal Ducts and Windows and Insulate Walls.

Energy bills rise significantly when heating systems must operate at maximum capacity to warm your home. While air can escape through windows, doors, and exterior walls, the most substantial leaks often occur in concealed areas connecting your house to spaces like the attic, crawl space, or basement. Most Gainesville homeowners can effectively reduce air leakage by sealing ducts and windows for under $200.

FACT: Homes with excessive air leakage may experience up to 30 percent higher heating and cooling costs. When insulation has gaps or becomes compressed, it can lose more than 25 percent of its effectiveness in saving energy.

Making informed choices about your home’s heating and cooling systems benefits both your wallet and the environment. Contact us with any questions about your system or to set up a service visit.

(352) 331-2005