Looking for ways to help save money on heating costs during the winter is a concern for everyone! The most important tip is to make sure that your heating system is working properly. Set up an appointment with us and we’ll come out and inspect your system. While you’re at it, ask us about our Planned Maintenance Agreement, and we’ll call you when it’s time to inspect your heating and air systems all year round!
Here are some great tips to prepare your home for the fall and winter months from the US Department of Energy’s website:
Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun
Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
Cover Drafty Windows
Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
Adjust the Temperature
When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.
When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10 -15 degrees for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills.
Digital thermostats provide a more accurate reading and some can be programmed to adjust the temperature in your home at certain times of the day or night. Ask us about the many digital thermostat options that are available.
Find and Seal Leaks
Seal the air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes (“plumbing penetrations”), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
Maintain Your Heating Systems
Schedule service for your heating system. Find out what maintenance is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently. Call us to schedule your appointment!
Furnaces: Replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed.
Reduce Heat Loss from the Fireplace
Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.
When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly — approximately 1 inch — and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to between 50° and 55°F.
If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.
If you do use the fireplace, install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room.
Check the seal on the fireplace flue damper and make it as snug as possible.
Purchase grates made of C-shaped metal tubes to draw cool room air into the fireplace and circulate warm air back into the room.
Add caulking around the fireplace hearth.
Lower Your Water Heating Costs
Water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home.
Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.
Lower Your Holiday Lighting Costs
Use light-emitting diode — or “LED” — holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.
(Source: https://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/fall-and-winter-energy-saving-tips)