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With winter on the way, cold air is in the forecast. And if your budget is under a bit of strain, one smart way to save money is to lower your heating bill. There are a number of smart ways to go about reducing heating costs. Some are simple adaptations, some are common-sense maintenance, and some require you to spend money to save money. In this article, we'll take a look at 10 ways you can lower your heating bill this winter.
Energy bills can take a big bite out of your budget in the winter. But there are some smart ways to lower your heating bills. By using your heating system more efficiently and effectively, keeping it in tip-top shape, and by adopting some smart strategies (and some smart technology) you can get a handle on your energy bill and keep your home more comfortable as well.
Check out these 10 tips and you'll find some smart strategies that will help you save energy and save money, too.
There's probably no more effective way to ensure that your home's heating system is operating at peak efficiency than to have it regularly serviced.
A tune-up will replace any components that have suffered excessive wear and fix minor performance flaws that cause inefficient and more expensive operation. Without regular maintenance, it's likely you're no longer enjoying the same efficiency the system had when it was new. That means higher energy costs and heating bills for you.
Maintenance catches and corrects small problems in heating systems before they become big ones that lead to a system breakdown. When caught early, these small problems can be resolved with simple and affordable repairs. Well-maintained systems protect you from unexpected and unpleasant surprises when it's cold outside.
Finally, regular maintenance and servicing will prolong the life of your equipment and eliminate big capital expenses when you haven't planned on them. One smart way to ensure that you stay on top of system maintenance is to join an HVAC maintenance plan. These provide regular servicing and more for a set up-front cost each year.
Air filters are an essential part of your HVAC system. But while it's easy to forget about them, you'll enjoy some benefits when you change them regularly.
When you replace dirty filters, you prevent dust and contaminants from getting into the HVAC system. These contaminants can impede the moving parts, like fan motors and valves, and lower the efficiency of your system.
And the restricted flow caused by a dirty filter creates a strain on the system. The HVAC system will use more power to try to overcome the obstacle. Simply put, clean filters mean a clean system and a lower energy bill.
New or old, almost every house has air leaks that cause heat loss and add dollars to your heating bill. In fact, studies have shown that, on average, you can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs by sealing leaks in your home.
Checking for leaks isn't complicated.
After you've identified any leaks, it's time to take a trip to your local home improvement store. Caulk is a smart choice for small cracks and gaps. For items that move, like doors and windows, purchase weatherstripping.
Not only will you save money, but you'll have a more comfortable home when it's cold outside.
Smart thermostats have revolutionized control of our heating systems. They connect to the internet so that it's easy to set schedules for your home’s temperature, whether you're at home, or away.
This allows you to save money by using your furnace more efficiently. And some smart thermostats have learning functions, which let them analyze your power use and make suggestions to operate your heating more efficiently.
There are many different models of smart thermostats. Check out this article on two of the most popular.
If you have a forced air heating system, the ducts and vents in your home distribute warm air throughout the living area. If the heating vents are blocked, you're making it harder for your home's heating system to do its job. That means you'll have higher heating costs.
Inspect your home and identify the location of your heating vents. If they're blocked by furniture or other obstructions, rearrange your living space so you'll get the maximum benefit from the warm air they're distributing.
While we're speaking of vents, have you considered that some of your vents may be wasting hot air?
If you have rooms that are infrequently used, or that don't need to be kept as warm as others, you can lower your heating costs by closing the vents in these rooms. That will restrict the amount of warm air that you're using in these rooms, and lower your heating bill accordingly.
A ceiling fan can be a very useful tool in keeping your home warm in a more energy-efficient manner. Warm air rises, so by using a ceiling fan you can circulate the warm air at the top of your room back down to where you want it.
The cost of running a ceiling fan during the winter is negligible, and will be more than offset by the reduction in your heating bill.
Even the best insulated windows will allow heat loss. Using blinds and drapes can make a big difference in how much heat loss occurs.
Keep your blinds closed during the night to keep heat in. During the day, open blinds and drapes on the sunny side of your home to let solar radiation warm the air inside your home.
Finally, consider your personal insulation - the clothing you wear. There's no reason to walk around your home bundled up like an eskimo, but dressing sensibly during the cold winter months will keep you comfortable without having to turn up the thermostat.
Keep a warm sweater handy for when you relax at home. And consider investing in a warm pair of slippers for your feet. A few well-spent dollars on clothing might make quite a difference in your heating bill.
There are many simple things you can do to lower your heating bill, while some improvements may require professional help. When you need that help, you need a partner you can trust to work with you. If you're in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, your best partner is Team Enoch.
Team Enoch is committed to providing high-quality products and workmanship to our customers, at a fair price. With over 2500 positive reviews, and over 10,000 jobs completed every year, we pride ourselves on ensuring that our well-trained technicians do the job right the first time.
At Team Enoch we have extensive experience in a wide range of home improvement and maintenance tasks, including installing windows, HVAC heating and cooling equipment, and other gear that can make your more comfortable and efficient.
If you're in the Dallas Fort Worth area and are ready to improve your home's energy efficiency (and earn tax credits) Team Enoch has the expertise to help your out. Contact us for all your home needs. Remember, estimates are always free!
