How To Lower Your Heating Costs This Winter?
It’s chilly out there, and you’re likely using your furnace on full blast this time of year! While this means better comfort for you and your family, it can also mean higher heating bills. Luckily, there are ways you can lower your heating costs while still staying warm and cozy this winter. Here’s how!
1. Seal Up Air Leaks
Do you feel cold drafts around your doors and windows? Any holes or gaps are indications that your air is escaping. Reducing the amount of air that leaks out of your home is a good way to cut your heating costs this winter and also increase comfort. Seal up those leaks with caulking or weather-stripping.
2. Program Your Thermostat
By programming your thermostat, you can help lower your energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% on your heating bills by turning your thermostat down for about 8 hours a day. You can program your thermostat for when you are away from the home, at work, and when you are asleep. If you invest in a smart thermostat with Wi-Fi capabilities, you can pre-program your settings so it’s not even something you have to think much about. In fact, you will be able to control your thermostat settings from an app on your phone. Pro tip: if you can handle it, it’s recommended to keep your thermostat around 68 degrees during the winter.
3. Change Your Air Filters
As a general rule of thumb, you should change your air filters every 30 to 90 days to prevent dirt and debris from clogging it. A clogged filter will impact the airflow through your furnace. It can actually cause short cycling problems that will make it hard to keep your home warm. Not only that, but it will cause your furnace to work much harder as it tries to push air through. By changing your air filter, you can drastically reduce heating costs this winter.
4. Reverse Your Ceiling Fan
Contrary to popular belief, a ceiling fan isn’t only useful in the summer – it’s actually very useful in the winter, too! Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise to create a gentle updraft that recirculates the heat down. This will automatically make a room feel warmer, so your furnace isn’t having to do all the work. This can actually save you around 15% on heating costs!
5. Schedule Furnace Maintenance
One of the best ways to make sure you’re keeping heating costs as low as possible this winter is by scheduling a furnace maintenance every year. At your maintenance, technicians will examine the system for any signs of corrosion, leaks, and also check the air filter to make sure it’s ventilating properly – among many other things. This will help prolong the life of your unit, ensure it’s working efficiently and keeping your heating costs low.
OnTime Service Is Here To Help With All Your Heating Needs in Birmingham, AL and Surrounding Areas!
Whether you need a heating repair, maintenance, replacement, or installation, OnTime Service is here to help with all your heating needs in Birmingham, AL and surrounding areas. Schedule your appointment with us now. Your comfort and safety is our top priority. Contact us today at (205) 872-1944 or online by filling out our form here.
