7 Ways to Lower Heating Bills

For an average single home, energy costs total approximately $2,200 per year—46% of which is spent on heating and cooling! With proper maintenance and use of these seven tips, you’ll be receiving lower heating bills in no time.

7 Ways to Lower Heating Bills

1. Eliminate air drafts

Air drafts allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape—creating a double whammy for your wallet. There are a few common areas (link to Winter home maintenance blog) to check for air drafts, with the attic and basement being most prominent and of the highest priority.

2. Install a programmable thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow you to set various temperatures for different times, ensuring that you’re running your heating system efficiently. While you can still control these adjustments with a manual thermostat, you may have to remember to adjust the temperature numerous times a day. If you forget to switch it, you’ll most definitely be wasting money.

On average, an electric central heating system costs about $1.37 per hour to operate. Why waste money keeping your home toasty warm all day if no one will be there to enjoy it? Switching from a manual to a programmable thermostat can save you up to $180 a year, according to House Logic.

3. Set your ceiling fans to clockwise

Ceiling fans are not only meant to keep cool. Setting your fans to rotate clockwise during the winter can save you up to 15% on heating costs. Turn ceiling fans on a low setting to direct the cool air will be upward. It will mix with the warm air above—ultimately making the room feel warmer. When the room feels warmer, your thermostat will detect the warmth and, therefore, run less often.

4. Use a space heater

If you have a whole house to heat but only use a portion of it, using a space heater to keep warm may be a great option. Set your thermostat low and use a space heater(s) in the room(s) you frequently occupy. You can save 3% on every one-degree reduction you make below 70 degrees, according to Pepco.

5. Add insulation

Adding additional insulation to your attic can help keep the warm air in and the cold air out. There are a few types of insulation to choose from, some of which are fairly easy to install. According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), having proper insulation in your home can lower heating and cooling expenses by approximately 20%.

6. Keep your drapes and blinds closed at night

During the day when the sun is out, keep your blinds open to allow the natural heat to help warm your home. But, be sure to keep your blinds closed at night. This will help to insulate the window and keep the heat inside.

7. Maintain your furnace

Your furnace puts in more work during the colder months than it does all year round. It’s recommended to change your furnace’s air filter every month. If you have a high-efficiency furnace, this task may only need to be done every few months. Changing the air filter allows air to flow properly, which helps the furnace to run more efficiently. Air filters also improve the air quality in your home, so be sure they’re clear to help avoid any respiratory or allergen issues.

Winter brings many challenges, but affording high heating bills doesn’t have to be one of them. Need some help implementing these maintenance steps in your home? Put the Bloomfield Construction professionals to work for you this winter.