Fall is a great time to make a few energy efficiency improvements that will reduce your heating costs this winter. The first thing on the list should be having your furnace or heating system inspected and serviced by your HVAC technician. They will make sure it is operating safely and efficiently. Now is a good time to change your air filter too.
If you are still using the standard blue fiberglass filters, take the opportunity to consider upgrading to a pleated filter. A good pleated filter will improve indoor air quality, but even more importantly it will protect your coils from accumulating dust and debris that can rob your system of efficiency.
While your HVAC technician is at your home it would be a good idea to have your ducts inspected and sealed if necessary. According to EPA estimates, about 20% of the warm (or cold) air moving through ducts is lost due to leaks and poor connections. Duct sealing can improve energy efficiency and improve indoor comfort.
Consider adding a few more inches of insulation in your attic or under your floors. There is a limit to the amount insulation that is cost effective. Your HVAC professional can inspect your home and help you decide if you need additional insulation, but in general if the joists in your attic are covered with a lay of insulation, you probably have enough.
Finally, seal leaks around windows, doors, exhaust fans, drains, and other fixtures that penetrate the walls. Air leaks not only waste energy, but they reduce indoor comfort levels by creating drafts and uneven heating.
