6 Simple Tips to Control Your Home Heating Bill
More often than not, our customers dread the cold weather that winter can bring our way. In fact, the colder temperatures prompt many of us to dial up our thermostats before thinking about how to save money on heating costs. Fortunately, there are simple steps most homeowners can take to better seal their homes and make their furnaces more efficient, before the heating bills burn a hole through your wallet.
Below are some easy changes you can make to save money on your heating bills during the coldest months of the year:
Let the sun shine in
Take advantage of “free heat” during the day by opening your blinds, shades and curtains on windows facing the sun.
Dial down your thermostat
By lowering the temperature in your home by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours each day, you can save as much as 10 percent on your annual climate control costs. Grab a sweater or snuggle up under a warm blanket if you get cold, but turning up the thermostat by as little as one single degree (and consistently maintaining that temperature) will result in a more expensive heating bill.
Warm up with an electric blanket
Investing in an energy-efficient electric blanket will enhance your quality of sleep if you keep the temperature cooler in your home at night. For the best results, turn on and place the blanket on top of your bed and leave it on for 15 minutes before you get in. Then, turn off the blanket, get into bed and enjoy the warmth as you fall asleep.
Tune up your furnace regularly
Regular maintenance is key to preserving the lifespan of your furnace. We recommend tuning up your furnace once or twice a year for optimal results. Simple cleaning and instrument adjustments can make a true difference in its performance and efficiency. In addition, a tune-up is the best way to detect and address small issues before they become bigger, more expensive ones.
Seal your drafts
To detect drafts around your home, use a handheld draft detector or even a lit candle. Slowly walk around and wait for a breeze to disturb the flame. Repair drafts easily by using spray foam insulation or simply replacing your weather stripping on doors, windows and other drafty areas of your home.
Use a space heater
Space heaters often have a bad reputation for starting fires if left unattended and on for long periods of time. However, you can save energy by turning the thermostat down and heating smaller sections of your home with a space heater. For safety reasons, we only recommend this option if you plan to be at home and in the heated area for an extended period of time.
For more energy saving tips and answers to common HVAC questions, visit our YouTube channel.
If you have any questions please contact us at 800-994-2577.