There's nothing like coming home to a warm, comfortable home after a long day. However, you shouldn't have to pay a ton in heating costs to get that warm, fuzzy feeling. If you're looking to save a few bucks on your heating bill, here are a few heating tips to help boost the efficiency of your heating system.

Annual Maintenance Service

First and foremost, annual maintenance is one of the most beneficial services for your heating and air system. Regardless of the brand or age, every HVAC system can benefit from a maintenance service. It will ensure your system runs at its peak efficiency and can help prevent costly repairs in the future and it can help reduce your energy bill. If you live within

We off an annual maintenance program and one of the many benefits is we will send you reminders when it’s time for your system's annual inspection. Additional benefits include priority scheduling within 48 hours, discounts on repair parts, and

Change Your Filters!

This is a quick way to help make sure your home is heating at its top efficiency.  It is always good to make sure that you regularly maintain your filters. Whether you change them or clean them frequently, it's important that all of your filters are taken care of properly. Different systems and homes have schedules that vary for filter changing, but what's easy about filters is that you can usually see the build-up.  If your system has dirty filters, it will have to work harder to maintain the temperature, causing higher energy bills and wear on your system.  If you are unsure when or how to change your filters, give us a call and we can assist you.

Check Humidity Levels

Everyone knows that in the summer humidity can alter the comfort in your home and have many side effects, but did you know humidity is also an important factor in keeping your home comfortable in the winter?  It is actually possible to have too little humidity in your home, which can cause problems such as the air in your home being too dry.

Overly dry air, or air without enough humidity, will affect your home and your health in a few different ways.  Dry air can possibly cause dry skin, irritated throat and sinuses, and also itchy eyes.  In addition, air with low humidity is known to dry out sinus membranes, causing you to feel congested.  For further reading on how low humidity affects your health, visit Dr. Mercola's site for a full article.

Another problem that can arise from not having enough humidity in your air is cracks in your furniture or home structure.  This is caused by the dry air sapping the moisture out of your wooden fixtures, causing cracks and seams to separate.  Dry air also holds less heat than moist air, so it could cause higher energy bills.

If this is an issue you feel you are living with, give O’Brien a call; we will gladly guide you on how to balance your humidity level during the winter and summer; this way you won’t have to experience the side effects of either high humidity or low humidity.

Tight Seal

Your heating system works hard to keep your home warm during those crisp winter days; if your home isn't properly sealed, it’ll have to work even harder.  This is why it's so important to properly seal your home this winter in order to save money on your energy bills, as well as prevent your system from overworking.

If there are spaces for air to escape from your home, you can benefit from covering them or sealing them.  Look for spaces by your doors, windows, attics, or anywhere else air can be escaping from your home.  If the warm air is leaking out of your home, then your system will have to work even harder to maintain your desired temperature.  This will cause your energy bill to rise, and will cause more wear on your system.  Do your system and your wallet a favor, and take a little time to seal your home for the winter.

Programmable Thermostat

If your home currently doesn't have a programmable thermostat, it should be something to consider.  Programmable thermostats are an easy way to save money on your energy bill; it can also prevent your system from overworking when it doesn't have to.  What a programmable thermostat can do is set a schedule for heating and cooling.  If you know that you are not going to be home all day, there's no need for your system to run as though you are. A programmable thermostat will let you set the temperature lower to save energy while you’re away. By the time you're home, you can walk right back into a comfortable temperature.

The temperature can also be adjusted while you sleep and can be scheduled back to the temperature of your liking by the time your alarm goes off.  By reducing the amount of work your heating system needs to do, just by simply changing the temperature while you’re not at home, you’ll save money on your energy bills and prevent unnecessary wear on your system.  In the long run, it is a great investment. Feel free to call O'Brien today to get more information.

Natural Light

Another simple way to heat your home efficiently is to use the sun’s natural heat. Each morning if you open your blinds and curtains, the sun's natural heat will help keep your home warm, for free! Not only does it warm your home, but it can brighten up your day!

"I have an annual maintenance contract with O'Brien Service Company because my Trane HVAC unit is almost 11 years old. Each year a service technician comes out and checks my unit to be sure it is running properly and does any maintenance needed. Chance T. was here last week and arrived promptly and went under the house to perform maintenance checks. I was pleased with his efficiency and the fact that O'Brien will be here to help if there is a problem with my heating system this winter!" -Linda (Wilmington, NC)