Heating Your Home Efficiently: Best Practices for Lower Bills

November 12, 2025

As cold weather approaches in Nebraska, keeping your home warm without watching your energy bills skyrocket is a top priority. At Custom Cooling & Heating, we specialize in heating design, installation, maintenance, and repair services across Lincoln and surrounding communities. In this blog, we’ll walk through best practices to heat your home efficiently, lower energy costs, and prolong the life of your heating system. 


1. Choose the Right Heating System for Your Home 

One of the biggest factors in efficiency is selecting the proper heating system based on your home’s size, insulation, ductwork, and climate. Whether you’re considering a high-efficiency furnace, a heat pump, or a hybrid system, proper sizing and design are crucial. Over‑sized systems may cycle on and off too frequently (wasting energy), while under‑sized systems may struggle to maintain comfort. 


2. Perform Annual Maintenance & Tune‑Ups 

Even the best heating system loses efficiency if it isn’t maintained. For peak performance: 


  • Have your furnace or heat pump inspected and cleaned each year before peak use. 
  • Clean or replace air filters on schedule, every 1–3 months depending on model and usage. Order yours online through Custom Cooling & Heating here. 
  • Check for and seal duct leaks; leaky ducts waste heat by dumping warm air where it’s not needed. 
  • Make sure vents and registers are unobstructed by furniture, carpets, or drapes. 
  • Lubricate motors, tighten electrical connections, and confirm thermostat calibration. 


These steps ensure your system works less hard, reducing fuel or electricity use. 


3. Optimize Thermostat Settings & Use Zoning 

Smart thermostat strategies can yield significant savings: 


  • Lower your thermostat when the home is unoccupied or overnight (e.g. 3–5° cooler). 
  • Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automate temperature changes. 
  • Consider zoning—divide your home into zones with separate thermostats, so you aren’t heating unused areas. 
  • Avoid frequently raising or lowering your thermostat drastically, as large swings force the system to work harder. 


Each degree you lower your thermostat can translate to noticeable savings over the heating season. 


4. Improve Home Envelope & Insulation 

Your heating system’s effectiveness is only as good as your home’s ability to retain heat. A tight, well-insulated building envelope reduces heat losses and helps your system run less. 


  • Add or upgrade attic insulation. 
  • Seal gaps around windows, doors, and duct penetrations with caulk or weatherstripping. 
  • Use insulated curtains or window coverings. 
  • Insulate HVAC ductwork in unconditioned spaces (basements, attics). 
  • Consider adding storm doors/windows or better glazing in colder climates. 


Better insulation keeps the warmth in — resulting in lower heating demand. 


5. Monitor Energy Usage & Take Advantage of Incentives

Keep an eye on your monthly energy usage. If you notice spikes or trends upward, it may signal inefficiencies or failing components. Additionally: 


  • Check whether utility incentives, rebates, or tax credits are available when you replace a heating system with high-efficiency equipment. 
  • Many rebates apply for furnaces, heat pumps, or duct upgrades. 
  • Work with your HVAC contractor to ensure installations meet eligibility criteria. 


Smart upgrades now can pay off long term in lower bills and better system longevity. 


6. Call on Professionals for Repairs & Upgrades 

If your heating system is underperforming—frequent cycling, uneven heating, loud noises, or rising bills—don’t wait until it fails. Call Custom Cooling & Heating for prompt repair or upgrade. Our licensed technicians offer residential heating repair, replacement, and preventive service across Lincoln and surrounding areas. We’re also BBB‑accredited with over 40 years in business. 


When you partner with experts, you ensure: 


  • Correct diagnosis of inefficiency sources 
  • Safe and optimized installation and repairs 
  • Long-term support and maintenance 

 

Heating Efficiently Isn’t Just About Comfort — It’s Smart Savings

Heating your home efficiently in Nebraska’s colder months can make a big difference in your energy bills, system lifespan, and indoor comfort. By combining smart equipment choices, regular maintenance, good insulation, intelligent thermostat use, and professional services, you set yourself up for a warmer home and lower heating costs. 


If you’re ready to optimize your heating system or want an estimate on a new, efficient unit, contact us today. We’ll guide you through options tailored to your home, climate, and budget, so your heating bills stay in check all season long. 

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How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter

October 16, 2025
As winter approaches, making sure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is ready is essential. A properly maintained system keeps your home comfortable, saves energy, and helps avoid costly repairs when the cold hits hardest. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we provide heating and cooling design, installation, and service in Lincoln, Nebraska and the surrounding area. Here’s how you can get your HVAC ready for winter — and why choosing a reliable local HVAC company matters. 1. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up One of the most important steps is to have a technician inspect and tune up your HVAC system before the cold sets in. A professional winter check can include: Inspecting and cleaning the furnace or heat exchanger Checking the blower motor, belts, and bearings Testing safety controls, pilot light (if applicable), and gas connections Verifying thermostat calibration and settings This helps ensure your system runs efficiently and safely when you need it the most. 2. Replace or Clean Air Filters Clogged filters restrict airflow and force your system to work harder, increasing energy costs and wear. For winter: Replace disposable filters or clean reusable filters Use high-quality filters (like pleated or HEPA, if compatible) Check filters monthly since heating systems run continuously This small step often yields big energy savings and better indoor air quality.

Why Changing Your Air Filter Matters (And How to Get the Right One from Custom Cooling & Heating)

September 9, 2025
When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and your HVAC system running efficiently, one of the simplest and most overlooked tasks is changing your air filter. It’s a small component with a big impact on indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and even your health. That’s why Custom Cooling & Heating is excited to announce a new way to make this essential maintenance step easier: you can now purchase air filters directly from our website. Whether you need a standard replacement or a high-efficiency option, we’ve got the right filter for your system and your lifestyle. Why Air Filters Matter Your HVAC system’s air filter is responsible for trapping dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne particles before they circulate through your home. Over time, these filters become clogged, reducing airflow and forcing your system to work harder. Here’s what a clean air filter helps you achieve: Improved indoor air quality Lower energy bills Extended HVAC system lifespan Reduced allergens and respiratory irritants Neglecting to change your filter regularly can lead to poor performance, higher utility costs, and even costly repairs. How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter? The answer depends on several factors: Standard filters : Every 30–60 days High-efficiency filters : Every 90 days Homes with pets or allergies : Every 30 days Vacation homes or low-occupancy spaces : Every 90+ days If you’re unsure which filter is right for your system or how often to change it, Custom Cooling & Heating is here to help. Our team can recommend the best option based on your home’s needs and your HVAC setup. Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Filter Even if you’re not tracking the calendar, your home may be telling you it’s time for a new filter. Watch for these signs: Dust buildup around vents and on surfaces Reduced airflow from registers Unusual odors when the system runs Increased allergy symptoms or respiratory irritation Higher energy bills without a change in usage Replacing your filter is a quick fix that can make a noticeable difference in comfort and air quality. Why Buy Air Filters from Custom Cooling & Heating? We know you have options when it comes to buying air filters—but here’s why purchasing directly from us makes sense: Quality You Can Trust We only stock filters that meet our performance standards and are compatible with the systems we install and service. Expert Guidance Not sure which filter fits your unit? Our team can help you choose the right size, type, and efficiency rating. Convenient Ordering Browse our selection online and have your filters shipped directly to your door—no more last-minute hardware store runs. Support Local When you buy from Custom Cooling & Heating, you’re supporting a trusted local business that’s been serving the community for over 40 years. Save with Auto Delivery Save 10% when you sign up for Auto Delivery Types of Filters We Offer We carry a range of filters to suit different systems and preferences: Standard fiberglass filters for basic protection Pleated filters for improved particle capture High-efficiency filters (HEPA) for allergy and asthma relief And more! We carry hundreds of options. Each product listing includes sizing information, MERV ratings, and recommendations for replacement frequency. Ready to Breathe Easier? Changing your air filter is one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency. And now, with Custom Cooling & Heating’s new online store, it’s easier than ever to stay on top of this important task. Visit our website today to browse our selection of air filters and place your order. If you have questions or need help choosing the right filter, contact us , we’re here to help you breathe easier.