The winter months make us crave warm and fuzzy feelings. But did you know that heat energy contributes about 40-percent of the average American’s utility bill? Fortunately, though, you do not have to choose between shivering under mountains of blankets or paying a monstrous utility bill. These tips can help you lower heating costs during the winter.
What Affects Your Heating Bill
High heating costs may result from several causes. For instance, improper home insulation can lead to heat loss. If your windows, doors, or even electrical outlets are inadequately sealed, you may experience air leaks. Keep warm air inside of your home for as long as possible to stay energy efficient and promote lower heating costs.
Additionally, how you heat your home – including how you use your thermostat or if you use additional heating appliances – can affect your heating bill for better or worse. For example, using a humidifier in colder months will make the air inside your home feel even warmer.
The condition and age of your unit can also raise your heating bill. The older your HVAC unit, the harder it has to work to keep you comfortable, which leads to high heating costs.
It’s important to schedule regular HVAC maintenance to ensure your home is heating properly. Neglecting professional maintenance can increase your heating bill when you don’t detect issues soon enough. Preventative maintenance will ensure your unit is in tip-top shape to service you when you need to stay warm.
Check Your Insulation
Winter heating costs rise when you are heating a home that is improperly insulated. Don’t throw away your money. Instead, ensure that cracks in your windows and doors are sealed so warm air cannot exit your home. Use weatherstrips and seal all visible cracks to retain more of the warm air.
Another option is adding insulation to the walls and attic of your home. Promote lower heating bills by reducing the amount of heat lost through your roof and walls. Check on all the common areas of heat loss to ensure you are keeping the hot air in and the cold air out. These include windows, doors, fireplaces, roofs, walls, and power outlets.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat learns your preferences and adjusts the temperature in your home to coincide with when you are home, away from home, and asleep. By using a smart thermostat, your home can automatically adjust to lower temperatures to promote a lower heating bill.
Lowering your thermostat, in general, can lead to a dramatic change in your heating bill. Try turning your thermostat down when you go to sleep and before you leave for work in the morning. Adjusting the thermostat before you hit the hay and hit the road, can lead to a lower utility bill.
Change Your Filters
Using your heater will likely cause your air filters to get dirtier, faster. It may also lead to an overall less efficient heating system. Check your air filters and replace them if necessary.
Replace your filter at the beginning of each season and as needed to ensure your home’s healthy indoor air quality.
Use a Humidifier or Space Heater
In some cases, you may want to use alternative heating elements for your home. A space heater placed in a room you frequently use can keep the temperature warm while the thermostat is set a little lower. This method keeps you in your comfort zone while also maintaining lower heating costs.
Using a humidifier is another good way to make your home feel warm without cranking up the heat. Humid air can feel warmer than dry air. Setting the thermostat just a little lower while keeping the humidifier on will result in the same cozy environment.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
Regular HVAC unit service is the best way to ensure your unit runs efficiently during any season, including the winter.
During a heating maintenance visit, our professionals inspect and tune-up all individual components of your heater. Your heating system will function better as a whole when all the individual components operate as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Maintain winter heating costs by entrusting your HVAC services to a reliable AC company in Jacksonville, FL. Our team genuinely cares about your health and comfort at home. Schedule an appointment with AC Designs to ensure you stay warm in your comfort zone this winter.