Whether saving money is on your list of New Yearās resolutions, or you want to make up for some of that extra holiday shopping, keeping your heating bill low this winter can make a positive impact on your finances. Of course, youāll want to continue changing filters and performing routine maintenance, but here are a few simple tips that you can apply to your home so that you save money and stay comfortable as the cold weather comes through.
Be smart about temperature settings
If your heater is running 24/7, you may want to check out the desired temperature youāre trying to reach. If itās 12 degrees outside, then setting the temp at 87 degrees may be difficult for your unit to achieve. Keeping your setting in the 60 and 70-degree range will prevent those high costs that can shock us when we open that first heating bill.
Seal up areas where air can leak
Seal up as many areas as possible that air can leak through to ensure heat doesn’t escape and your unit isn’t being overworked. Plug holes, replace weather stripping around windows and doors, prevent air from going up the chimney, make sure your attic is properly insulated, and perform other tasks to close up areas that are preventing you from having complete temperature control.
Invest in a new thermostat
If you want to take charge of temperature settings, then invest in a thermostat that allows you to control it remotely. By adjusting the temperatures in your home to an appropriate setting when you’re not there, you’ll see some pretty significant savings.
Donāt heat rooms that arenāt in use
If you aren’t using a spare room or rarely open the doors to big storage spaces, make sure you don’t heat them until it’s necessary. Seal the vents and shut the doors, and you’ll start to see those dollars drop off your energy bill.
Use the sun and fans to keep your space warm
Utilize the sun to help naturally warm up your house because this is a free source of heat. Once you’ve sealed the windows, you can keep your curtains open when the sun is at its peak. You’ll have the bonus of using less lighting resources as well. You should also turn your ceiling fan on a clockwise spin to keep the warm air low.
Let the pros service or repair your heater
If you’ve noticed your heating bill is on the rise, and you’re practicing the tips above, there may be a bigger issue at hand. Call in the professionals to diagnose any problems that could be occurring so that they can correct it and get your heater working seamlessly through the season.