With the heating season right around the corner, it is more important than ever to figure out ways to save money while keeping your home warm this winter. No matter which type of heating system you have, there are still many things you can do to save money. The following tips will help you and your family stay comfortable without spending more money on heating.
Wear More Layers
The easiest and most obvious option to save money without increasing your heating bill is to wear extra clothes at home. You can keep your toes warm by wearing thick socks or slippers. If you have a comfortable hooded jacket, you can throw it on while at home for even more warmth. You can wear blankets whenever you decide to sit down to retain that extra bit of heat. You can even insulate your floors better with strategically placed area rugs.
Don’t Heat Unoccupied Rooms
One of the main reasons why heating might be too expensive is that you keep heating unoccupied rooms. The other simple way to heat your home efficiently is to only heat rooms you currently occupy. You can also reduce the heat going to the rooms in the house you visit infrequently. For example, consider reducing the heat to storage areas, guest rooms, and your laundry area.
Turn Down the Temperature at Night
While a warm bedroom might be more comfortable during the day, it becomes problematic when sleeping at night. If you have a programmable thermostat, you should consider reducing the temperature setting at night. You can also reduce the temperature setting on a manual thermostat before your bedtime. Not only will this be more comfortable, but you will also reduce the amount of work your heating system needs to do to keep your home warm during the night. The great thing about taking this step is that your body already requires a cooler room to fall asleep.
Get a Small Space Heater
A small space heater lets you heat your desk or another small area without using a lot of electricity. For example, you can use a small space heater for your legs while you sit at your computer desk, allowing you to turn down the thermostat without being less comfortable. Turn these space heaters on and off as needed, meaning you have flexibility in how you heat your spaces.
Use the Sun
The sun is our greatest free heating source. You should use it effectively to reduce your heating bill. On sunny days, you can open the curtains to your south-facing windows to let the sunlight in. You will keep your home warm during the day and into the night. On overcast days, you can close your window curtains to lock in the warm air and prevent the cold air from coming in.
Switch to a More Efficient Heating Source
If you haven’t already switched, you can switch to a heat pump as an alternative to your traditional furnace or HVAC system. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one location to the next. Heat pumps do the job in a more efficient manner than a traditional furnace. Such a system is much cheaper to operate and also cools your home in summer. If your traditional furnace is nearing the end of its life, a heat pump might be the right choice for you.
Maintain Your System
A well-maintained heating system will perform more reliably and efficiently throughout the heating season. A professional technician can change or clean your furnace filters regularly to ensure your system functions as it should. You can also get professionals to inspect your ductwork to look for leaks that could make your system less efficient. Regular maintenance improves the lifespan of your furnace and keeps it working well throughout the cold months. It will also make it easier to find problems with your system that prevent it from operating at peak efficiency and that could turn into bigger issues later.
Check Your Insulation
The final way to save money while keeping your home warm is to maximize heat retention with proper insulation. You can seal all around your doors and windows to prevent heat loss during the cold winter months. A door sweep can block drafts from the bottom of your door. By having a professional check your insulation, you can maximize the amount of heat that stays inside your home.
Heatwave Heating & Cooling proudly provides professional heating services, including repair, installation, and maintenance services to residents of Amherst and the surrounding areas. You can also count on us for AC repair, installation, maintenance, ductless system repair, indoor air quality, and other HVAC services. Contact Heatwave Heating & Cooling for more information today.
