How to Save Money on Heating Bills this Winter

Is your energy bill too high in winter time? Are you looking for ways to cut costs? There are a number of things you can do at home to save money. Some of them are big projects but most are simple things you can do to help reduce the cost of heat this winter.

Air Seal Your Home

Air leaks allow outside air into the home or inside air to escape from the home. Reducing this leakage is a cost-effective way to save money on your home energy bill. Caulking and weatherstripping are simple and effective techniques to reduce air leaks. If you are building new construction, talk to us about air sealing for new construction.

Adjust Your Temperature

Turn your thermostat as low as you can and still feel comfortable; and when you are not home, dial town another 10-15 degrees. You can also invest in a programmable thermostat. This device can automatically lower and raise your home’s temperature based on your daily activities. You will save money by using less heat while you are not at home. Programmable thermostats can be a little more expensive up front but often pay for themselves cost within the season.

Insulate Your Attic

We all know that heat rises and it is no secret that heat is lost through your home’s roof. Check the insulation levels in your attic. Make sure you have adequate depth and fill coverage of insulation. You can also ask a professional to preform a home energy test to diagnose where you may need more insulation.

Cover Your Drafty Windows

You can buy plastic window covering kits at any hardware store. They are relatively inexpensive and can reduce energy consumption and increase your overall comfort level. This is a fairly cheap and easy way to save quite a bit of money on your energy bill.

Use Space Heaters

Depending on how much time you spend in your whole house vs. just a few rooms, you may want to invest in a space heater. If your time is spent mainly in one or two rooms, you can turn your thermostat down quite a bit and heat the rooms with and electric space heater. It is cheaper to heat up a small room than to heat up an entire house.

Dress Warmly Inside

Again, turn down the thermostat a few degrees and layer up. It can be nice to cuddle up and snuggle in blankets and sweaters on a cold winter’s night, and it will save you money at the end of the month.

Change Your Furnace Filter

A clean filter is essential to making sure your furnace is running as efficiently as possible. Filters are crucial to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. You should follow your furnace manufacturer’s recommendations but should probably change your filter every 3-6 months. A dirty filter restricts air flow and causes your furnace to work harder than it needs to maintain a constant temperature.  

Have Your Furnace Cleaned and Checked According to the Manufacturer’s Recommendation

This isn’t just about safety, it’s about preventative maintenance. You can catch the problem before your furnace stops working in the middle of the night or on a weekend. Proper maintenance will also ensure that your furnace is working at is optimum efficiency, providing you with the most heat for the least cost.

Close Your Fireplace Flue

You should always have your flue open if you are using your fireplace, but make sure you close it when your fireplace is not in use. An open flue is like an open window and a great amount of heat can escape.  

Turn Down the Temperature on Your Water Heater

Most water heaters are set by default to 140 degrees. Check the temperature and turn it down to 120 degrees. A lower temperature can slow mineral buildup and corrosion and reduces the energy required to keep the water in your tank hot. For most people 120 degrees is completely satisfactory for all their needs.

If you have any questions about your heating bills this season, the professionals at A-Plus Mechanical of Houston, TX are here to help. Call us at 281-970-5200.