Heating Efficiency: How to Lower Your Winter Energy Bills

Heating amounts up to 45% of the energy bill for an average American household, which is why it’s very important to keep your heating system as efficient as possible. Making sure that your furnace is working smoothly and is not overused can both help you lower your energy bill and keep your home comfortably cozy during the winter.

Here is a list of tips that can help you save on your winter energy bills.

Keep the heating system clean

Changing the furnace filter ensures that the heated air can easily reach the space that needs heating. This means that your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to produce the necessary amount of heat, thus keeping your heating system energy efficient. You may also want to check that your chimney isn’t clogged either as it would prevent efficient airflow in your home.

Seal any air leaks

Up to 25% of heated air is lost through cracks and holes throughout your home, meaning that a quarter of your energy can be saved by sealing the air leaks. They are usually easy to spot. For example, if you feel much colder when standing next to your windows, or feel drafts in certain areas of your home, this means that you are very close to the spot where your energy is escaping. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal these cracks and holes, and weatherstrip your windows for increased comfort and decreased energy bills.

Add insulation

Insulation is a barrier that slows down the transferring of heat from your warm home to the icy outdoors. Insulating your attic, walls and crawlspaces traps more of the heat inside your home, thus making it more efficient. Insulation also helps in summer, as this protective barrier also stops heat from getting inside your home.

A programmable thermostat is a smart investment

If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, we highly recommend that you get one. You can use it to lower the temperature in your home when you’re asleep or away, and set it to automatically increase the heating when you’re on your way home or just before you wake up. Wi-Fi thermostats allow you to control the heating level in your home no matter where you are, so you don’t have to worry that you kept the temperature too high when you left your home and help you stay energy efficient.

Have your heating system serviced

We can never stress this enough - having a professional check your heating system before the heating season begins is the number one way to ensure that your heating system runs efficiently. A HVAC expert will make sure your heater doesn’t waste power as well as check your system for potential problems so that you can avoid unexpected heating shut downs in the middle of winter.

By keeping these tips in mind you will have warm, cozy and happy holidays while also staying energy efficient. And don’t forget - when you’re in need of someone who can help you with your heating system, call HVAC Experts at (630) 216-8883!