(Newswire.net — December 14, 2022) — The winter months come with heavy heating bills. But there are some simple things you can do to help keep your heating costs low. From making smart changes inside and outside of your home to researching options around traditional utility sources and alternative resources, these tips can help you stay warm while saving energy.
1. Turn Down the Thermostat a Few Degrees
Turning down your thermostat a few degrees from its normal setting can substantially impact your energy consumption and heating bill. You can save up to 3% for every degree you lower the thermostat, meaning if you turn it down by 10°F, you could reduce your energy costs by 30%.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are essential for controlling energy costs. They can be set to automatically adjust the temperature of your home depending on whether you are home or away. This prevents energy from being wasted while you’re out of the house and can help lower your heating bill.
3. Seal Air Leaks
Sealing any air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings can help reduce your energy costs significantly. This is because air leaks act as escape routes for the warm air in your home, allowing cool air to enter and forcing the furnace to work harder than necessary.
4. Conduct a Professional HVAC Inspection
Having a professional inspect your HVAC system can help ensure that it runs properly and efficiently. This can help reduce energy costs by ensuring your furnace is functioning optimally and not using excess energy. Also, they can look for potential maintenance issues that could cause more costly repairs.
5. Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home is key to reducing energy costs in the winter months. Making sure all windows and doors are properly sealed can prevent warm air from escaping, helping you maintain a comfortable interior temperature without spending too much on energy costs. Additionally, focus on only heating the rooms in use.
6. Add Window Treatments
Adding thick curtains or blinds to windows in rooms with a lot of suns can help insulate your home and keep warm air inside. It will reduce the energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature and save you money on heating bills.
7. Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly
Regular replacement of your furnace filter is important for ensuring the efficient operation of your HVAC system. If a clogged or dirty filter prevents air from circulating properly, it can cause your system to run longer and use more energy than necessary.
8. Research Alternative Energy Sources
Switching to an alternative energy source, such as solar power or geothermal can help reduce your energy bills. While the initial cost may be more than traditional utility sources, you could save money in the long run. For instance, you can take advantage of natural sunlight during the day.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your home is comfortable and energy-efficient. Through smart decisions and modifications around the home, you can stay cozy all season long while keeping your heating bills low.