Lower Your Winter Heating Bill With These Tips

Winter is right around the corner and temperatures are already starting to dip. There are a few things you can do to lower your heating bill during this time of year and make the most efficient use of your heating unit.

Use a Smart Thermostat

One way to lower your heating bill is with a smart thermostat. As the smart thermostat learns your habits it will lower the temperature in your home when you’re out and keep it at a desirable temperature when you’re home. This prevents you from using heat you don’t need by forgetting to lower the temperature when you leave.

A smart thermostat also keeps you from having that uncomfortable time after you get home where you are having to wait for the temperature to rise. It can anticipate your return and have your home ready for you. Using heat only when you need it will lower your heating bill while maintaining your comfort.

Lower Your Room Temperature a Few Degrees

Another way to lower your heating bill is to adjust your thermostat to a lower room temperature. If you change your average temperature by just 3 or 4 degrees you probably won’t even notice. You may notice the savings on your heating bill though.

Turn the Hot Water Heater Down a Few Degrees

Just like lowering your average room temperature, lowering your water heater temperature can make a difference in your heating bill as well. You can also reduce the chance of accidental burns by doing this. The best part is that you likely won’t notice any changes in your daily life unless you take scalding showers. We recommend setting your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum comfort and efficiency.

Trap Heat Inside

When heat escapes from your home your HVAC unit has to work overtime to keep the temperature at a desirable level. Save on heating costs by preventing the heat you have from escaping.

A few ways to do this include keeping doors and windows closed. Saying a long goodbye? Don’t stand in the doorway to do it. Keep the door closed and open it only long enough for people to enter or exit.

Check your weather stripping. If your weatherstripping is too worn down around doors and windows it will let your warm air out and allow the cold from outside to creep in. Likewise, be sure to seal any cracks that are allowing heat to escape from your home.

A fireplace can help keep heating costs down but be sure to keep the flue closed when your fireplace is not in use. Otherwise, your fireplace could actually send your heating bill through the roof. An open flue allows the heat from your home to rise right out of your house.

The final way you can keep the heat inside is to make sure your insulation is effective. Proper insulation can save you a ton in heating costs. Especially if you live in an older home, it’s a good idea to get your insulation inspected to make sure it is functioning properly.

Stay Warmer Head to Toe

One way to save money on your heating bill is to keep your body warmer so that you don’t need to use your HVAC unit as much. Two areas of the body that make a huge difference in the way you feel are your head and your feet.

It may sound silly but wearing a hat can actually make you feel much warmer. The heat that would normally escape from your body through your head stays with you and keeps you warmer.

Likewise, few things make you feel colder than chilly feet. Warm socks can make a world of difference in how cold your overall body feels. This is a simple thing that can really make a difference in how warm you need to keep your home.

Maintain Your HVAC Unit

Last, but definitely not least, routine maintenance of your HVAC unit will ensure that it is running properly and heating your home as efficiently as possible. If it’s been a while since your last inspection and routine maintenance, there is no time to waste. A poorly running HVAC system can cost you lots of money on your heating bill.

If you would like to schedule an inspection or routine maintenance for your HVAC unit, call today. Don’t throw money away on excessive heating bills from an inefficient HVAC unit. We can help.