Colder weather comes with falling leaves, cozy blankets, comfort foods, and higher heating bills. When you are trying to save money for the holidays and the year ahead, heating bills can rock your budget. Learning new ways to conserve energy as the temperature drops can help your budget take less of a hit.
1. Invest in a Portable Heater
Heating your entire house when you spend the majority of your time in one room can be an expensive waste of heat and energy. Instead of using the thermostat to heat your house, invest in a portable heater and take it with you throughout the house as you move from room to room. This way you only heat the areas you need.
2. Use Energy-Efficient Holiday Lights
Lights are a traditional way to decorate, but they can cause your electric bill to sky-rocket. Be sure to buy energy-efficient holiday lights to save money while still being festive. We promise the change will pay off.
3. Use the Sun/Curtains
The sun is a natural heater and a rarity during the fall and winter. When the sun is out, take advantage of its warmth by opening the curtains and/or blinds and letting the rays warm your home. Conversely, if it’s cloudy and cold outside, cover your windows with curtains to keep the heat in.
4. Replace Air Filters
Dirty air filters cause your furnace to work harder because of inadequate airflow. Replacing air filters regularly can help you save money and conserve energy.
5. Wear Layers
Wearing layers can help you keep the heat at a lower temperature. Bundling up and using multiple blankets at night can help keep you warm even while your house is cool.
6. Close Doors
Closing doors to rooms that are not in use will help the heat circulate only in the rooms you are using, making it warmer in places you want it.
7. Have an HVAC Tune-Up
Having regular tune-ups can help extend the life of your system and can save you money by preventing costly repairs. If you have the heat on and you think it is just not keeping you warm enough, it might be time for a tune-up. If a new system is more cost-efficient for you, our technician can give you a free estimate on a new system.
8. Open the Oven Door
When you are done baking or cooking, leave the oven door open. This way, the warm air will force its way into your home instead of being wasted by going outside through a vent.
9. Air Dry Clothes
Air drying your clothes is energy efficient and you’d be surprised by how fast it happens and with fewer wrinkles, even. However, don’t put clothes directly in front of a vent or on the radiator; this blocks the heat and keeps it from warming the room. It also makes the radiator work harder, which can cost more money, and it’s a fire hazard.
10. Don’t Block Vents
Blocking vents fools your heater into working double-time to heat the space—which increases usage and costs you money. Make sure all furniture is away from vents by at least a few inches.
For other heating services or if you want a heat loss calculation, contact us and we’ll make sure your winter is a warm one.
