Tips to Save on Your Heating Cost
Heating costs can be expensive and anything that could reduce them is worth trying. Some of the places where you might be losing heat in your home are obvious and others might surprise you. While some of these tips are relatively simple and the savings may seem small, over the course of the cold winter season, your savings could really add up.
Only Use Exhaust Fans When Necessary
So often when we are done cooking or after taking a shower, we leave the exhaust fan running. Exhaust fans pull the hot air out of your home. Use them only when necessary and remember to shut them off when you are done with them.
Free Heat from the Sun
The sun is a great way to supplement your home’s heat. Open the curtains on your south-facing windows during winter days to allow the sun to help warm your home. Be sure to close the curtains just before the sun goes down to keep the heat inside.
Bundle up
Don’t turn the heat up, put on your favorite cozy winter sweater and warm socks. Keep a throw on your couch, an extra blanket on the bed and you can even add an area rug to help insulate the floor. Bundling up is one of the easiest ways to stay warm around the house without spending any extra on your heating cost.
Use Your Ceiling Fans
Most of us only think about using our ceiling fans in the warmer weather but they can help you save on your heating cost in the winter months. Ceiling fans can be used to improve your home’s airflow. Fans circulating clockwise will help trap heat inside, keeping rooms warmer during the winter months. Set your ceiling fan on a low setting to gently push hot air back down.
Don’t Heat Rooms not in Use
Why heat a room if no one is using it? Close or seal off vents to guest rooms or large storage areas, redirecting the flow of air to the rooms you use most. This will heat the rooms in use more efficiently, keeping you warm and comfortable.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Keeping your home cooler while you sleep is another way to cut down on heating costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save about 10 percent per year on your heating costs simply by turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours. Break out the flannel pajamas and some extra blankets and you’ll stay warm and cozy all night.
Invest in Insulation
It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of dollars are wasted each year due to heat escaping from homes without proper insulation. Foam weather stripping for your doors and windows is an inexpensive way to start. Use insulated drapes or curtains on your windows. Look for areas in your home where heat might escape and plug them up with some inexpensive insulation from your local home improvement store. These small investments could save on your heating cost and keep your home warmer.
Keep Your Furnace and Registers Clean
Check your furnace filter every month and replace it if it gets dirty. Make sure the area around your furnace is clear and nothing is blocking your registers. Keeping your furnace and registers properly maintained will reduce energy consumption.
It’s best to have your furnace checked, and serviced if necessary, annually by a local professional. If your furnace is still under warrantee, the manufacturer may require annual servicing.
Jersey Coast Appliance has been proudly serving Ocean and Monmouth Counties since 1981. Our nationally certified technicians will keep your heating system operating efficiently and your family warm and comfortable through the winter. Contact us for all you home heating service needs.
