Winter is in full swing and your heating bill is probably beginning to show it! Luckily, there are ways to save on energy without inviting the cold indoors. Check out our pro tips, and see if you’ve fully winterized your home!
This blog post is part of Pacific's Heating and Cooling Series.
Home Heating Tips for Saving Money & Energy
1. Insulate
You wouldn’t go outside on a bitterly cold day without a scarf or your winter coat, would you? You should give your home the same kind of protection from Old Man Winter! Adding insulation to your attic and garage is any easy and relatively inexpensive way to maximize the warmth inside your home.
Pro tip: This update will serve you year round and prevent cooling leakage during the hot summer months.
2. Replace Your Filter
An old, dirty filter causes inefficiency in your heating system and results in a harder working furnace. Cleaning or changing the filter regularly allows for a free flow of air and the maximum heat output. During the heating season, it is recommended that you change your filter monthly.
Pro tip: Your thermostat needs regular upkeep as well, find out how to keep it in top shape in our blog article, Why Do I Need to Change My Furnace Filter?
3. System Tune Up
Just like your car needs regular checkups, so does your furnace! Scheduling a routine service check will help keep your heater up and running. Giving attention to minor maintenance issues may keep you from a serious problem in the middle of winter. Looking to replace your furnace? Check out our review on Lennox heaters.
Pro tip: Cleaning your furnace annually and keeping it properly adjusted can reduce the risk of damage, premature failure, poor indoor air quality, and inefficient performance.
4. Adjust Thermostats
Reduce the temperature in your home whenever you leave for any length of time, but don't turn it off or set it too low! Never set it below 55°F in the winter or your pipes could freeze.
Pro tip: Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to set it to adjust for you automatically to deliver the right amount of heat at the right time. Save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs by turning your thermostat back 7°–10°F from its normal setting for 8 hours a day, such as while you're at work.
5. Winterize Doors & Windows
Caulk and weather strips are quick and easy fixes and can effectively keep more heat inside your home where it belongs. If it’s in your budget, you could also consider replacing old doors and windows during more mild weather months and potentially make your home much more energy efficient and less drafty.
Pro tip: Use a hairdryer to test out “breezy” areas when caulking.
6. Adjust Fireplace Usage
Close your fireplace damper whenever your fireplace is not in use. By leaving it open, you’re allowing warm air to exit through the chimney. You can also caulk your fireplace in order to optimize the warmth it produces.
Pro tip: If you never use your fireplace, consider sealing the chimney flue and using candles as a firewood alternative!
7. Utilize Ceiling Fans
These friendly fellas keep you cool in the summer and can help you get the most out of your heat in the winter. Most ceiling fans come equipped with a setting that allows you to turn their cycle to a clockwise rotation which will gently push heat that has risen to the ceiling back down into your room.
Pro tip: Keep the fan on a low setting so that you don’t generate extra airflow.
8. Use Natural Heat
On days where the sun is present, keep your east-facing windows uncovered in the morning and west-facing windows uncovered in the afternoon. The warmth of the sun will naturally heat the affected rooms and cut down on the furnace-generated heat needed.
Pro tip: On particularly cold days, keeping your curtains closed can help cut down on the heat loss that occurs through your home’s windows. Consider purchasing curtains specifically designed for this purpose.
For all of home heating needs, turn to Pacific Sheet Metal. Our highly trained staff is ready to help you with all of your winterizing needs. Contact us today if you live in Aspen, Carbondale, or a nearby area!
