5 Tips to Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter

5 Tips to Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter

Want to pay less in utilities this winter? 

Frigid temperatures have arrived in Hampton Roads. Time to ensure you’re doing everything you can to keep your home cozy and your heating bill under control! These five tips to lower your heating bill are easy enough to tackle over a weekend. You may already be able to cross a couple off the list!

1. Insulate strategically.

Closing curtains and blinds on south-facing windows after dark will help insulate your home, keeping in any heat from the sun shining through during the day. North-facing windows can stay covered day and night. Doubling up curtains provides you extra insulation and the layered look is nice too! To get even more out of your curtains, use velcro or magnetic tape to attach the edges  to the wall or window frame at the sides and bottom, and even where the drapes come together. If done with a heavy closed-weave curtain fabric, you can reduce heat loss up to 25%.

2. Adjust the temperature. 

Programmable thermostats are essential when it comes to saving money with your heating and cooling system. Each degree you lower your thermostat will save you about 2% on your yearly energy bill: that’s 10% between 65 and 70F! The best times to reduce the temperature is when no one is home and while you’re sleeping. Utilizing a programmable thermostat allows you to set it and forget it. Even better, many now have apps so you can control the comfort from your phone! Get your family some sweaters and slippers if they aren’t comfortable with your new, money-saving tactics.

3. Eliminate drafts.

Does your house have hidden cracks and other heat leaks? If you want to save some extra money, it’s worth locating and fixing any major areas where your heat is escaping. Common places to look include attic access door, electrical outlets, door thresholds, plumbing entrances, window frames, and chimney. You’ll need some weatherized silicone caulking, a little confidence in your DIY abilities, and a lot of patience. Pro tip: 7-12% of home heat loss occurs around doors and windows.

4. Make sure your heat is flowing freely.

Make sure your registers are not covered or blowing directly into a window or curtains. You may need to rearrange furniture to get the most from your heating system. If any vents are blocked, that will only cause your system to work harder to heat the rest of your home as a lot of that heat may be trapped in one area. Your comfort should be consistent throughout your home. If there’s a significant drop in temperature in one area or room, check the vents and airflow first!

5. Replace your old, inefficient heating system.

It may sound counterproductive, but investing in a new home comfort system will definitely save you money on monthly energy costs.  As much as 20%! Chances are your system is over 12 years old if you’re considering replacement and there have been many improvements in efficiency over the last decade. Our team of Comfort Advisors are extremely knowledgable. Give them 60-90 minutes of your time and they will provide you with options that fit your specific needs and budget.

If you have any questions about the above tips or would like to schedule a free consultation with a Comfort Advisor, call our team today at (757) 868-7600.

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