How to Save Money on Heating Costs
Heating bills can account for a significant chunk of any Indianapolis area homeowner’s monthly budget over the winter months, no matter what type of heating system is used. There are many tips and tricks floating around that claim to help homeowners cut heating costs, but which can be trusted? B&W Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains tells you how to save money on heating with advice directly from our heating professionals.
1. Smart Thermostat Settings
An easy way to save money on your heating bills is to program your thermostat for energy efficiency. With the right settings, you can save up to 10 percent on annual heating costs using your programmable or smart thermostat.
- Make sure to adjust your programmed settings so that they align with your household’s current schedule. Many families experience schedule changes each season, and you want to be sure your smart or programmable thermostat temperature schedules match your current daily agenda.
- When the family is home and awake, keep the thermostat set to around 68 degrees. This is an energy-efficient winter setting that will keep your family comfortable and help you save on your monthly energy bill.
- Take advantage of downtimes to set back temperatures to generate big savings. When everyone is out of the house for the day or overnight while your family sleeps, turn down temperatures 7 to 10 degrees. Significant setbacks such as this over periods of eight hours or more each day will have a noticeable positive impact on your heating expenses.
2. Prioritize Filter Changes
Operating your furnace or heat pump using a dirty filter leads to excess energy consumption, along with the potential for system damage and breakdowns. Dirty filters restrict airflow throughout the system, forcing your heater to expend more energy as it fights to do its job. Stay on top of regular filter changes so your furnace or heat pump doesn’t have to struggle this season.
It’s common for air filters to fill up faster over the winter as you use your HVAC system more frequently due to cold temperatures. Check your filter every month to see if you’re due for a change; this way your filter can be replaced sooner than your regular replacement interval, and you can eliminate energy waste.
3. Seal Air Leaks
One important strategy to save money on winter heating bills is to reduce the home’s heating load. Reducing temperatures is one way to do this, and air sealing is another helpful method. By closing air leaks throughout your house, you can help the structure hold in more of its heat and prevent heat losses as well as stop the infiltration of cold air that reduces indoor temperatures. Install weatherstripping on doors and windows, and use caulk to seal cracks and gaps throughout the house.
4. Use Windows Wisely
You can take advantage of free solar heat when you know how to use your window coverings the right way over the winter. During the day, especially when you have direct sunlight, leave blinds and curtains open and allow the sunlight to add free warmth to the room. Close your window coverings at dusk and keep them closed overnight to prevent heat loss that occurs when warm indoor air makes contact with chilly window panes – your window coverings serve as an insulating barrier!
5. Ceiling Fan Operation
Saving money on energy costs by using ceiling fans involves two key elements: setting the fan to rotate in the right direction and using it at the right times. During the winter, switch ceiling fans to spin clockwise. This will send warm air that has gathered up at the ceiling back down to occupied areas so people can benefit from its warmth. Only run ceiling fans when people are present in the space to enjoy the effects, otherwise you’re wasting electricity.
Contact B&W for Quality Heating Services
Aside from the above strategies, investing in professional maintenance service for your heating system each year will be very helpful as you work to lower your energy bills. Maintenance helps the system operate at its peak efficiency levels and minimize energy waste, keeping your heating costs in check. Contact B&W Plumbing, Heating , Cooling and Drains today to schedule an appointment for heating system maintenance.