Do you cringe when you see your gas bill during the winter? With our heating systems working harder than any other time of the year, our wallets pay for it. Unless you plan on moving to a warmer climate, there’s no way to avoid forking over an extra portion of your budget toward winter heating needs. However, here are seven simple ways you can boost your home’s energy efficiency and save on energy bills all winter long.
1. Turn Down the Heat
There is no need to keep your heat on high when you can’t enjoy it. Instead, turn the thermostat down while you’re at work or sleeping. You might be surprised at how much difference a few degrees may make. In fact, by lowering your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for only eight hours a day, you can reduce your energy bill by up to 10 percent!
2. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Take control of your home’s energy efficiency and put in it the palm of your hand. With the many smart thermostat options, you can have total control of your heating and cooling systems from wherever you may be. (This is especially helpful in implementing tip #1!)
3. Replace Air Filters
Your air filter needs to be replaced every few months, so your HVAC system can keep running efficiently. Not only does is a dirty air filter unable to trap all the air pollutants, but it also reduces your airflow. This makes your furnace work harder to keep your home warm in the winter. The good news is that installing a new air filter is a quick and easy way to save on energy bills and keep your family safe.
4. Find and Fix Air Leaks
Finding the spots where cold air is leaking into your home and taking steps to fix them is a great way to help keep your home warm. Some of the most common places cold air leaks in includes:
- Window and door frames
- Poor weather stripping around doors
- Vents and fans
- Attic hatches
- Baseboards
- Electrical and gas service entrances
Most of these air leaks can be sealed using caulk or quality weather stripping. Sealing air leaks is an efficient way to save energy at home and help to ensure your heat system isn’t working overtime to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. This way, you stay cozy without breaking the bank.
5. Use Alternative Heat Sources
As simple as it may seem, using alternative heat sources can be a great way to keep warm without raising the electric bill. Some of these non-electric heat sources may include using a real wood burning fireplace, indoor kerosine heater, pellet stove, or soapstone heaters. These can also be practical ways to stay warm during power outages.
6. Do Some Heating Housekeeping
There are also several quick ways you can help your home feel warmer without turning up the thermostat. Consider closing your curtains at night to help keep cold air out and heat loss to a minimum. You can also change your ceiling fan rotation for winter, so it turns counterclockwise, redirecting warm air downwards. Top these efforts off by using a humidifier in the winter. By adding moisture to the air, it is also making the room feel a little bit warmer and it has other health benefits.
7. Call the Experts
Preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure your HVAC system is running properly and efficiently. During a preventative maintenance check, an HVAC professional will inspect your units for safety and health issues before they become a threat to you and your family. They will also be able to catch any issues before they become big and expensive problems. Trust the experts to put your safety and comfort first and schedule your preventative maintenance today.
Making your home more energy efficient is within reach. Don’t keep letting your heating costs drain your budget, trust these simple tips from the experts and save on energy bills this (and every) winter. Looking for more ways to increase the efficiency of your home? Contact our team at Valor Mechanical and start seeing those savings of an energy-efficient home stack up.