Energy Saving Tips for Heating Your Home

Heating your home during the cooler months should not come with high energy bills or wasted power. Whether you rely on a traditional furnace, heat pump, or central HVAC system, small improvements can make a big difference in comfort and efficiency.

This guide explores practical energy saving tips for heating your home, specifically for homeowners in Athens, Georgia. With the help of local experts like Blount Heating & Cooling, you can stay warm, lower your costs, and extend the life of your system.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters for Heating in Athens, GA

Athens, GA has a relatively mild winter climate compared to northern states, but we still depend on heating systems for comfort. Inefficient furnaces and HVAC systems can increase energy use and lead to higher monthly bills.

Here’s why efficiency matters in the Classic City:

• Lower utility bills: Heating often accounts for a large portion of winter energy costs.
• Better comfort: Efficient systems maintain consistent temperatures throughout the home.
• Longer equipment life: Regular maintenance reduces wear and tear.
• Improved indoor air quality: Clean filters and well-maintained ducts promote healthier air.
• Environmental benefits: Lower energy use reduces carbon emissions.

Blount Heating & Cooling has served the Athens area since 1986, providing dependable furnace repairs, maintenance, and installation. Their local knowledge means they understand what homes in Athens need to perform efficiently through every season.

1. Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up

The best way to improve energy efficiency is to start with a professional furnace tune-up. An annual inspection helps identify issues before they become major problems.

A qualified technician from Blount Heating & Cooling can:

• Clean burners, heat exchangers, and safety components
• Check for gas leaks or improper pressure
• Inspect and replace air filters
• Calibrate the thermostat
• Verify proper ventilation and airflow

A furnace that runs smoothly will use less fuel and maintain more consistent warmth. If you are searching for furnace services in Athens, scheduling a fall tune-up is the first step toward savings.

For more about annual system maintenance and energy use, visit ENERGY STAR’s heating tips.

2. Change or Clean Your Air Filters

Air filters may seem small, but they play a huge role in system efficiency. When filters clog with dust, pollen, and debris, airflow decreases and your furnace has to work harder to push warm air through your home.

In Athens, where pollen counts are high and humidity can cause dust buildup, filters should be checked at least once a month during the winter. Replace or clean them according to manufacturer guidelines.

Benefits of a clean filter include:

• Improved airflow
• Reduced energy consumption
• Lower repair risk
• Cleaner indoor air

Regular filter maintenance can reduce heating energy use by up to 15 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

3. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. These devices automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your habits and preferences.

For example:

• Lower the temperature when you’re asleep or away.
• Warm the home just before you return.
• Control settings remotely from your phone.

Georgia Power recommends setting your thermostat to 68°F in winter while you’re home, and lowering it a few degrees when you’re away. You can learn more about efficient thermostat settings on the Georgia Power Energy Efficiency page.

Blount Heating & Cooling installs and services smart thermostats that integrate easily with modern HVAC systems, helping Athens homeowners gain comfort and savings with minimal effort.

4. Seal and Insulate Air Ducts

If your home has central heating, much of your energy loss may occur in the ductwork. Over time, ducts can develop leaks that allow warm air to escape before it reaches your living spaces.

To improve efficiency:

• Inspect visible ductwork for gaps or loose connections.
• Use mastic sealant or metal-backed tape to seal leaks.
• Insulate ducts in attics, crawlspaces, or basements.
• Schedule a professional duct inspection if airflow feels weak or uneven.

Properly sealed ducts can improve heating efficiency by up to 20 percent. For homeowners looking for HVAC services in Athens, this simple step can make a noticeable difference.

5. Add or Upgrade Home Insulation

Heating efficiency depends on more than just your furnace. If warm air escapes through poorly insulated walls, attics, or windows, your furnace will work harder to maintain temperature.

In Athens, homes built before the 1990s often have less insulation than recommended. Consider these improvements:

• Add insulation to the attic and crawlspaces.
• Seal gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk.
• Use insulated curtains or shades to retain heat.
• Install door sweeps to block drafts.

By reducing air leaks, you reduce the workload on your heating system and save money over time.

6. Adjust Thermostat Settings Strategically

Making small thermostat adjustments can lead to significant savings. Try these practices:

• Set your thermostat to 68°F during the day and 60-65°F at night.
• Lower the heat when you’re not home.
• Avoid turning the heat up suddenly. Gradual adjustments are more efficient.

Every degree you lower your thermostat can save about 1 to 3 percent on your heating bill. Over the winter, this can amount to noticeable savings.

If you need help programming your thermostat or want advice tailored to your home, Blount Heating & Cooling can provide a consultation during your next service appointment.

7. Consider Zoned Heating or Supplemental Options

If you have rooms that stay colder than others, zoning can improve both comfort and efficiency. Zoned heating systems use multiple thermostats and dampers to direct airflow where it’s needed most.

Alternatively, you can supplement your main system with:

• Ductless mini-split systems for isolated areas
• Portable space heaters for small rooms used occasionally
• Electric fireplaces for added warmth and ambiance

By heating only occupied areas, you avoid wasting energy in unused spaces. A Blount Heating & Cooling technician can assess whether zoning makes sense for your home layout.

8. Maintain Outdoor Components and Vents

If you use a heat pump or hybrid system, remember that part of your equipment is outdoors. Even with a gas furnace, outdoor vents and intake pipes require maintenance.

To keep things running smoothly:

• Remove leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit.
• Ensure at least two feet of clearance on all sides.
• Inspect intake and exhaust vents for obstructions.
• Check for animal nests or accumulated dirt.

Keeping components clean and clear allows proper airflow and helps your furnace maintain efficiency throughout the season.

9. Upgrade Older Equipment

No matter how well you maintain your furnace, there comes a time when replacement is the better option.

Here are a few signs it might be time to invest in a new system:

• The furnace is more than 15 years old.
• Energy bills are steadily rising.
• Repairs are frequent or expensive.
• Your home no longer heats evenly.

Modern high-efficiency furnaces can operate at over 95 percent efficiency, compared to older systems that may only reach 70–80 percent. That means more heat for less fuel.

If you’re searching for a furnace in Athens GA, Blount Heating & Cooling can help you compare models, understand available rebates, and ensure proper installation for maximum performance.

10. Practice Daily Habits That Reduce Heat Loss

In addition to system maintenance, small lifestyle changes can lower your heating costs. Try incorporating these habits:

• Use sunlight to your advantage: Open curtains on sunny days and close them at night.
• Reverse your ceiling fans: Switch them to clockwise rotation at low speed to push warm air down.
• Keep vents clear: Avoid placing furniture or rugs over vents.
• Dress appropriately: Wearing layers allows you to lower the thermostat comfortably.
• Use rugs on bare floors: They help insulate rooms and retain warmth.

These small steps can collectively reduce your energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

Why Choose Blount Heating & Cooling for Furnace Services in Athens

If you need a furnace in Athens GA or reliable HVAC maintenance, working with a local expert makes all the difference.

Here’s why homeowners trust Blount Heating & Cooling:

• Local expertise: Serving Athens and surrounding areas since 1986.
• Comprehensive services: Installation, repair, and maintenance for furnaces, heat pumps, and HVAC systems.
• Trusted reputation: Known for honesty, reliability, and fair pricing.
• Maintenance plans: Keep your system running year-round and prevent costly repairs.
• Customer focus: Friendly service from a team that values long-term relationships.

Their experienced technicians provide the personalized service you can only get from a family-owned business that truly understands the Athens community.

FAQs About Heating and Furnace Services in Athens, GA

How often should I schedule furnace maintenance?
Once per year, ideally in the fall before cold weather arrives. Regular maintenance ensures safe operation and helps catch small issues early.

What temperature should I set my thermostat to in winter?
Georgia Power recommends 68°F during the day and lowering it by several degrees at night or when you’re away.

How long do furnaces last?
With proper care, most furnaces last 15 to 20 years. High-quality models with annual maintenance can sometimes last even longer.

Should I close vents in unused rooms?
Only partially. Fully closing too many vents can increase system pressure and reduce overall efficiency. Zoning or programmable thermostats are better long-term solutions.

Can an HVAC technician help me save energy year-round?
Yes. In addition to heating services, Blount Heating & Cooling offers cooling system maintenance and energy-saving recommendations tailored to Georgia’s climate.

Final Thoughts: Stay Warm, Save Energy

Energy efficiency is not just about saving money—it’s about making your home more comfortable, sustainable, and reliable. By combining professional furnace maintenance with small daily habits, you can reduce waste and enjoy steady warmth all winter.

If you’re looking for furnace services in Athens or considering an upgrade, contact Blount Heating & Cooling. Their local expertise, trusted service, and focus on customer satisfaction make them the go-to choice for heating installation in Athens, GA and heating repair in Athens, GA.