• Start with your air filter. A clogged or dirty filter restricts airflow, causing your heating system to work longer and harder than necessary. Check the filter regularly and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Your vents matter, too. Walk through your home and make sure furniture, curtains, rugs and other household items are not blocking the vents that deliver heated air or draw air back into the system. Keeping these areas clear helps air circulate properly throughout your home.
• If your home has a heat pump, give the outdoor unit some attention as well. Falling leaves, limbs and other debris can restrict air flow around the unit. Keep the surrounding area clear and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning it. Even if your outdoor air-conditioning unit will remain idle during the winter, keeping it free of debris can help protect the equipment.
• It is also important to consider what you cannot see. In homes with forced air heating, ductwork carries heated air to each room. Leaks, gaps or disconnected sections can allow that air to escape before it reaches your living spaces. If certain rooms are difficult to keep comfortable, or your energy use seems unusually high, consider asking a qualified HVAC professional to inspect your ductwork.
• Fall is also a good time to schedule a professional heating-system tune-up. A qualified technician can identify potential problems and ensure your equipment operates safely and efficiently before colder weather arrives. Regular maintenance may also help extend the life of your system.
• Your thermostat is another useful tool for managing energy use. Lowering the temperature when you are asleep or away from home can help reduce heating costs. A programmable or smart thermostat can make those adjustments automatically while keeping your home comfortable when you need it.

At Pee Dee Electric, we know that replacing heating equipment or making energy-efficiency improvements can be a significant household expense. That is why we connect our members with programs that may help.

Pee Dee Electric members are eligible to join ElecTel Cooperative Federal Credit Union and apply for its Energy Efficiency Loan Program. Financing may be available for projects such as HVAC replacements, insulation improvements and other qualifying energy-efficiency upgrades.

We also offer rebates for certain qualifying purchases, including eligible heat pumps, water heaters and electric vehicles. Approved rebates are applied as a credit to the member’s electric bill. Please visit pdemc.com or call 704-694-2114 to review current requirements before making a purchase.

Your heating system has an important job this winter. Giving it a little attention now can help keep your family comfortable, manage energy use, and reduce the likelihood of an unexpected problem on a cold winter night. As your local, member-owned cooperative, Pee Dee Electric is here to help you make informed energy decisions for your home.