If you’re like most homeowners, you already know that when temperatures begin to drop during autumn, heating bills tend to rise. Fortunately, with a few small changes, you can save money on those heating bills, stay warm inside your home, and reduce your environmental impact all at the same time. The first thing you should do to lower your bills is change your filters and have professional heating maintenance technicians tune up your heating system, which will make it more energy-efficient. We’ll discuss this in greater detail later, along with more simple strategies designed to save energy and reduce household heating costs.

Seal Up Drafts to Keep Warm Air Inside

A well-insulated home is your first line of defense when it comes to keeping cold air where it belongs — outdoors. Gaps around doors, windows, and flooring provide a pathway for cold air to invade your home’s interior while warm air escapes. Areas around vents and electrical outlets are other common culprits when it comes to household drafts.

Adhesive weatherstripping is an effective and affordable option for minimizing drafts around doors and windows by creating a snug seal. As an added layer of protection against winter’s chill, apply caulk to visible cracks on and around your window frames. Door sweeps help reduce draft activity by sealing gaps at the bottoms of doors.

Set Your Thermostat Strategically

Lowering the temperature by just a few degrees makes a noticeable difference in utility costs. Try these thermostat tips for optimal efficiency.

Lower the Thermostat

Dropping the temperature by 10 degrees Fahrenheit or less for eight or more hours per day can save homeowners a great deal on heating costs.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are designed to automatically adjust themselves to your schedule by learning your daily habits, such as when you go to work and when you come home. They can also be programed to respond to remote adjustments. For instance, if you find yourself unexpectedly held up at the office for an hour or more, you can send a signal to your thermostat to delay firing up the heat.

Maintain Your Heating System on a Regular Basis

Keeping your household heating system maintained well means that it will operate more efficiently and use less energy. Scheduling regular HVAC inspections and tune-ups helps catch emerging issues before they escalate to the point where they require costly repairs. During a routine inspection, an HVAC technician will perform the following tasks:

  • Clean or replace air filters
  • Check for leaks
  • Lubricate moving parts
  • Clean evaporator and condenser coils
  • Tighten electrical connections
  • Inspect safety systems

Depending on the type of unit and the air filter it uses, your technician may recommend regularly cleaning or replacing it between maintenance visits. This is very easy for homeowners to do themselves, and you can find instructions in your owner’s manual.

Use Curtains to Help Regulate Temperature

Window coverings can help keep heat in or allow it to escape, depending on how you use them. Opening your curtains on sunny days lets natural light warm up your home’s interior, making it possible to use less heat. Closing your curtains at dusk or during rainy, cold days helps keep warmth inside.

Zone Heat for Better Efficiency

There’s no sense in paying to heat rooms in your home that you aren’t using or only use occasionally. For that reason, you may wish to discuss installing zoned heating with your HVAC technician. Zoning lets you focus on areas that you actually use and save some of the money spent on heating. Unused rooms, such as guest and storage rooms, should be closed off, and if they’ve got individual thermostats, these should be turned down to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In older homes and those without individual thermostats in every room, energy-efficient space heaters can be used for localized warmth in areas where you spend the most time. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room.

Improve Attic and Wall Insulation

Good insulation is key to keeping heat from escaping your home, and it’s especially important in areas like attics and walls. Because heat rises and escapes through the roof, adding insulation to your attic is one of the best ways to reduce household heating costs.

Older homes in particular are likely to have inadequate wall insulation, so consider adding to it or upgrading it completely to improve your home’s ability to retain warmth.

Utilize Rugs and Carpeting

Hard flooring materials such as tile, stone, brushed concrete, and hardwood may look fabulous, but they can also make your rooms feel colder. Adding area rugs provides an easy way to make spaces feel warmer while keeping your heating costs down. As an added bonus, well-placed, carefully chosen area rugs bring an appealing aesthetic to the picture.

Position area rugs in high-traffic areas to trap heat and add an extra layer of insulation. Consider wall-to-wall carpeting in general living spaces for warmth underfoot and a cozier ambiance.

Opt for Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Upgrading to energy-efficient doors and windows is an excellent way to keep seasonal heating costs in check. Look for options that feature high insulation ratings to keep as much heat from escaping as possible. Double- or triple-pane windows provide superior insulation to their single-pane counterparts, and they also provide a buffer against outside noises.

Use Ceiling Fans to Distribute Warm Air

Ceiling fans aren’t just for providing cooling breezes during warm summer days — they can also help distribute warm air during the winter, pushing it down where it’s needed most. Run them clockwise on a low setting for best results.

Take Advantage of Tax Credits and Rebates

Energy-efficient upgrades often qualify for tax credits or rebates on federal, state, and local levels. Check with your utility company or HVAC service provider for information on anything that may be available in your area.

Layer Up for Warmth

It may seem simple, but wearing layers indoors while at home can go a long way toward helping you feel comfortable without turning up the thermostat. Turning the heat down just a few degrees has the potential to make a noticeable difference in your utility costs. Warm socks, cozy sweaters, and wrapping up in warm blankets while watching TV or reading on the couch are great ways to stay warm. You can also add layers to your bedding to help keep you warm while you sleep.

Monitor Your Energy Usage

Understanding your energy usage is a great way to identify where and when you’re using more heat than necessary so that you can make applicable modifications. A professional energy audit can shine a light on areas where you and other household members can do better. Also, many smart thermostat apps provide reports on energy usage that help show you where you can save.

Contact Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc. for More Information

As a family-owned and -operated company, Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc. is proud to be the heating services provider of choice for residents of Hillsboro and surrounding communities. Because we’re a full-service HVAC company, we can also help you save on summer cooling costs. In addition, we service water heaters, gas piping, and VRF systems. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of skilled HVAC professionals at Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc. to schedule an appointment or to request a quote.

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