As winter slowly creeps up on us, the weather gets colder and colder. And with that cold weather comes a higher electricity bill as we turn up the heat to stay warm. This blog post will cover 10 cost-saving tips to help keep your HVAC system running efficiently this winter and hopefully save you some money on your next electric bill.
1. Turn down the thermostat before guests arrive for the holidays.
If you're expecting guests over the holidays, turn down the thermostat a few degrees before arriving. You can easily raise the temperature back up when they leave. This will help save on your heating bill over the course of the holiday season.
2. Take advantage of sunny days to help heat your home naturally.
Open the blinds or curtains on sunny days to let the sun's rays in. This will help naturally heat up your home, and you won't have to rely on your HVAC system as much.
3. Install a programmable thermostat.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your heating bill by automatically turning down the heat when you're not home or when you're asleep. There are many different programmable thermostats available, so be sure to research and find one that fits your needs.
4. Keep furniture and drapes away from heating vents.
Heating vents should be free and clear to allow air to circulate freely, so keep furniture and drapes away from them. This will help ensure that the heat is going where it's supposed to go and not being blocked or obstructed from flowing into your home.
5. Clean or replace your furnace filters regularly.
If your furnace filters are dirty, it will restrict airflow and cause the furnace to work harder than necessary, which will lead to higher energy bills. Be sure to clean or replace your furnace filters regularly to ensure optimal performance.
6. Caulk around windows and doors where needed.
Leaky windows and doors can let cold air in and warm air out, which will cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary. Caulking and sealing around windows and doors where needed can help seal them shut and keep the warm air in your home where it belongs.
7. Use a space heater sparingly.
Space heaters can be a great way to add extra warmth to a room, but be sure to use them sparingly as they can also use a lot of energy. Only use a space heater in rooms that you spend a lot of time in, and make sure it's placed away from curtains or other flammable objects.
8. Adjust your water heater settings accordingly.
Your water heater is responsible for heating up water for things like showers and baths, so be sure to adjust its settings accordingly depending on how cold it is outside. There's no need to have your water heater working overtime if you're not using it as much.
9. Educate your family and friends about conserving energy.
The more people in your home that are on board with conserving energy, the better. Educate your family and friends about things like turning off lights when they leave a room or not opening the door to let all the heat out.
10. Get a home energy audit to find ways to improve efficiency and save money on your energy bill.
A home energy audit is a great way to see where your home is wasting energy and what improvements can be made to improve efficiency. Many utility companies offer free or discounted home energy audits, so be sure to take advantage of this service.
Following these tips can help you save money on your heating bill this winter and keep your home comfortable. Contact a qualified professional for assistance if you have questions about your HVAC system or how to conserve energy.
If your HVAC system is outdated or not running as efficiently as it could be, consider upgrading to a newer model. Newer models are much more energy-efficient and can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills. If you have any questions or need assistance, be sure to contact us at Dodrill Comfort & Energy Solutions, and we'll be happy to help.