Follow this Guide to Improve your HVAC Efficiency this Winter

01 Feb Follow this Guide to Improve your HVAC Efficiency this Winter

Kingsport, TN

Here in Kingsport, Johnson City and the surrounding areas in East Tennessee, the first two weeks of 2025 marked the coldest January in the region in more than a decade. When a cold snap hits, your HVAC is going to work harder and run longer than it usually does. You can take some steps to reduce the strain on your heating system and make your HVAC more efficient, even when the weather outside is frigid. Your Kingsport electricians at Thompson Electrical Service explain how, today on the blog.

Your guide to improve HVAC efficiency when the weather turns cold

Step 1: Seal any air leaks

The best way to make sure your HVAC is functioning at optimum efficiency is to keep the cold air outside your home and the warm air inside. Even the smallest opening around a window or door can defeat this purpose. Use weatherstripping, caulk or sheets of clear polyethylene to cover those openings and cracks.

Step 2: Adjust your thermostat

You can give your HVAC a break when no one is home or awake. Turn down your heat when the house is empty or at night when everyone goes to bed. A programmable thermostat makes this a cinch, allowing automatic temperature control to adjust the thermostat at the touch of a button and even program the thermostat to change at scheduled times.

Step 3: Change your air filter

When talking about any maintenance of your HVAC, replacing the air filter on a regular basis is usually a must. It is just as important for your heating and air system as brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Clean, unclogged filters keep your HVAC running well and improve the air quality inside your home.

Step 4: Reverse the airflow on your ceiling fans

Did you know that you can reverse the direction of your fans? Heat rises naturally and making your ceiling fan run in a clockwise direction disperses warm air throughout your home, rather than allowing it to condense near the ceiling.

Step 5: Check your ductwork

The smallest hole or crack in your ductwork can create a huge problem for your HVAC. Making sure your ductwork is well sealed and airtight keeps the heated air where you want it to go, meaning your heating system does not have to work as hard. You should contact an HVAC professional for any maintenance or work pertaining to your duct system.

Step 6: Use a humidifier

When your heat runs, this can dry out the air inside your home. Running a humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can improve the quality of your air. Increasing the relative humidity inside your home also means your heater will not have to work as hard.

Step 7: Upgrade your HVAC system to a high-efficiency one

Upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC saves you money on energy bills from month to month, helping mitigate the cost of having the system installed. Newer HVAC systems perform better and use less power. Certain models may qualify for energy efficiency rebates or incentives as well.

Professional HVAC installation and repair in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol in Tennessee

You can trust the experts at Thompson Electrical Service for any of your HVAC needs, whether you want to upgrade to a new system or improve the function of the system that you have. Our technicians are certified to work on both residential and commercial units. To find out more, call our office in Kingsport at (423) 343-5726 or complete our online contact form to receive a free quote.