Tricks for Saving on Your Heating Bill

When winter is on its way, like it is now, the internal dialogue for home and business owners is twofold. We all want to stay warm, of course, but we want to do so without exposing ourselves to an insane utility bill at the end of each winter month.

At All Hours Plumbing, Heating & Air, we can help with this and all other furnace and heating services. Our HVAC pros can perform basic inspections and tune-ups that will keep your system running at peak efficiency and also improve its lifespan, and we’re also here to help with any significant repairs that are needed. Finally, we’re always on hand to provide expertise in various home heating and air areas – down those lines, here are a few small, moderate and major areas you can consider changing up if you’re looking to reduce your heating bill this winter.

Simple Hacks

A few simple, low-or-no-cost methods for lowering your heating bill during the cold season:

• Turn the thermostat down: This is the simplest and most obvious hack to save you money – and it won’t always make you colder. Many homeowners don’t do nearly a good enough job at turning down the thermostat when the leave for long periods, such as to go to work or school during the day. The home doesn’t need to sit at 72 degrees all day while you’re gone; this will just cost you more money. Per the Department of Energy, turning the temperature down 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for just eight hours a day can save you up to 10 percent on your heating costs.

• Utilize natural warmth: If you have any windows that face the sun at any point during the day, make sure blinds and curtains are open so the sun’s natural heat can enter as much as possible.

• Electric blanket: Some homeowners lower their thermostat temperature during sleep hours, and if you want to be able to do this to an even greater level, you might consider an electric blanket that’s energy efficient. You don’t even need to use it all night – just turn it on, place it on top of the bed, and leave it for 15 minutes before you go to sleep. The warmth will persist as you get to sleep.

• Space heater: If you know you’ll be in one part of the home for long periods at a time, turn the thermostat down and instead use a space heater for just that area.

Yearly Maintenance

• Tune up: You should have a yearly furnace tune-up done by our All Hours professionals. These will catch future issues before the happen and ensure your system is functioning at peak efficiency.

• Draft seal: Using a draft detector, move around your home and locate any drafts in your walls or windows. If you find any drafts, use weather stripping or foam insulation to fill them so warm air doesn’t escape.

Larger Areas

• Furnace upgrade: If your furnace is at least 10 years old, it might be time to replace it and get a more efficient model.

• Attic insulation: Insulation between the floor of the attic and the rest of the home is vital for maintaining warm temperatures in winter, but may wear down over time. Measure your attic insulation using a tape measure – if it’s under 12 inches thick, consider replacement.

For more on how to save money on your heating bill, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the pros at All Hours Plumbing, Heating & Air today.