Many of us are keeping an eye on our budget, in these uncertain times. It is estimated that 29% of your energy costs come from your heating system. That’s why your energy bill soars during the winter season. During the winter, you can  decrease your energy consumption which can save you money while still maintaining the same level of comfort. Here are some tips for reducing your heating costs that are simple and cost effective.

Furnace replacement can lower energy bill

Most experts recommend that you buy a new furnace when your unit is 15 – 16 years old. You can save 40% on your monthly heating costs by replacing your old furnace, which is probably only 60% efficient. In addition to lower bills, a new HVAC system will offer you comfort and quiet operation.

Install a programmable thermostat

You can significantly reduce your heating costs by using a programmable thermostat. When you are asleep or away from the house, you’ll be able to set it to a lower temperature automatically which will help in decreasing  energy costs. 

Wisely use blinds and curtains 

Let the natural heat in your home by opening your blinds or curtains in the morning. When the sun sets, you should close them to prevent the heat from escaping too quickly. You can save money on your heating bills by letting in a small amount of heat when the sun rises and blocking it from escaping to the outside when the sun sets.

Cover the floor with rugs and carpets

Floors without covers can be quite cold. If you walk barefoot on floors without cover, you will feel colder which will make you turn up the heat on the thermostat. Make sure to cover the bare floors in your home especially the ones you spend most of your time on. This will eliminate the need to increase the temperature of your heating system. Keep your feet warm too by wearing heavy socks and slippers while at home. 

Heat your room with portable space heaters

An effective energy saving hack you can consider is using a portable space heater as an addition to your main system. Use this in the areas where you spend most of your time at home. You can easily carry this appliance with you as you move to different parts of the house. It will help reduce your heating bills by turning down the thermostat and by not heating rooms you are not using. With a space heater, only the area where you place the heater will be warmed. You don’t want to use multiple space heaters because that will consume a lot of energy. To prevent a fire, never leave a space heater running in a room unattended. Turn it off before you leave the room.

Remove obstructions around the heating vents 

The heating vents can be blocked by several objects that you may not notice. Furniture, debris, plants, and tools are all factors that can affect the flow of heated air when placed near the vents. If there are obstructions around the vents, they can cause the heating system to work harder to keep your house warm. Make sure the vents are always free of these obstructions. To improve the energy efficiency of your vents, clean and vacuum them regularly. By doing this, it will prevent dust buildup. 

Lighting your fireplace to warm up

Doing so will significantly reduce your home’s energy bill. Before winter, ensure it is working properly. Keep the fireplace flue or damper closed when not in use so that hot air from inside the house does not escape through the chimney.

Utilize ventilation and fans 

During winter, use kitchen and bathroom vents moderately as they force warm air out of the house. Use ceiling fans to redirect the air downward since warm air always rises to the top of the ceiling.

Remove drafts from your home

If your windows and doors are not properly insulated, cold air from the outside will enter your home. The furnace will be forced to work harder to keep a warm temperature inside once the cold outside air enters your home. Insulate your windows with weather stripping or rope caulks to prevent drafts. Install weather strips on the bottom and top of doors to prevent drafts from entering the house.

Utilize heat you already have

When you bake things in the oven or dry your clothes in  the dryer, heat is generated. Your home temperature will rise while operating your oven or dryer. Once these appliances are off, you can leave the oven or dryer doors open to let the heat escape, and your home will remain warmer for a longer time. These tricks can reduce your heating costs. The thermostat will reduce the amount of heat produced by the heater if it detects a significant increase in temperature, therefore cutting down on your heating bills.

Home insulation

An insulated home can save you up to 50% on heating costs compared to one that isn’t insulated well. Insulation HVAC contractors do a complete job from the attic to the floor.

Adjust the Water Heater

By lowering the thermostat temperature on a water heater, you save anywhere between 3% and 5% in costs for every ten degrees. Your water heater can be operated at an optimum temperature of 120 degrees. If you’re on vacation, you can turn it off to reduce your heating costs. You will have more savings if you have a tankless water heating system. 

Regularly maintain your furnace

Have regular furnace maintenance and inspections to ensure that your heating system will work optimally for the whole year. It should include cleaning, replacing filters and general checking of your furnace. Hiring an expert and professional HVAC contractor will save you money and time. A reliable HVAC company can provide you with a heating maintenance program, so you are always covered for maintenance work. Install a carbon monoxide monitor so you will be alerted if the level of carbon monoxide is too high. It will also check for gas leaks occasionally.

 

Looking for HVAC professional help in minimizing your energy cost?

We, at Pacific Aire, provide heating and air quality help. Our expert team of technicians are professionals, highly trained, dependable and friendly. We’re happy to take your call and be of service.

For any concerns about your furnace, schedule an appointment with our expert HVAC technicians. For any other HVAC servicing needs, visit https://bit.ly/PacAire_HeatingReplacement or call us at 805-465-5689.