Looking for ideas on how to save on your heating bills this winter? Here are 8 things you can do to reduce the costs associated with running your furnace.
1. Service Your Furnace to Save Some Money in the Long Run
Get your furnace inspected and serviced regularly. To be sure it’s working correctly and safely, do this every year. Many of our customers have a service contract with us, so we’ll come on schedule before the heating season starts. This is something you should look into with heating contractors in your area.
2. Replace Furnace Filters to Improve Efficiency
Replace furnace filters at the start of summer and at least twice during the winter season. This simple, and rather inexpensive, step keeps your system operating correctly. We do this as part of our service contract. When your system runs more efficiently, it works smarter, reducing heating costs.
3. Fix Leaks in Ductwork to Keep From Losing Heat and Money
You can lose as much as 30% of your heated air to leaky ducts. These leaks increase your heating bills. Call an HVAC contractor to inspect your ductwork and make any repairs.
4. Insulate Your Home to Keep Heat In and Cold Air Out
Feel for drafts around doors, windows, pipes, electrical and cable outlets. Use draft blockers, pipe wraps, and outlet sealers to fix many of these problem areas. Taking these steps to create a tighter air seal will help lower your heating expenses.
5. Utilize Blinds and Curtains to Control Heating
Open blinds and curtains on sunny days to let heat in, but be sure to close them at night to prevent as much as 10% loss in the room’s heat.
6. Lower the Thermostat
Setting your thermostat a bit lower is a great way to lower your heating bill. Try keeping the temperature set to 68 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night. If that’s too cold for you, use extra blankets when you sleep. Maintaining a set schedule will also help control your heating expenses, so consider installing a smart/programmable thermostat.
7. Use a Humidifier to Make the Air Feel Warmer
A smart way to get the most of your heating dollars: run a humidifier. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so use a humidifier when the heat is on. An added benefit: this also reduces static electricity.
8. Be Smart about Fireplaces and Space Heaters
While it seems that a fireplace is a great way to create some heat, a fireplace can hurt rather than help your heating bills. Many fireplaces allow hot air to escape and cold air to get in. And while space heaters may seem like a cost-effective way to warm a room, they are potentially dangerous and usually inefficient.
We hope these tips help you on your quest to lower those heating bills this season!
Keeping you warm and toasty is one of our top priorities at CV Plumbing Heating and AC! If you live in the Rockland County NY, Orange County NY, and Bergen County NJ area, call on us for emergency service, residential or commercial service or an annual service contact. We are here for you!
