6 Tips for Lowering Your Heating Bill This Winter
1. Set Your Thermostat To 68 Degrees
Setting your thermostat to 68 degrees is one of the best rules of thumb for keeping your home warm but not too warm. This temperature can be achieved efficiently by most heating systems and is generally a comfortable temperature for most. You may also find it helpful to turn your thermostat down a couple of degrees during the night, considering you and your family will be sleeping cozily in bed. You can defend against the morning or evening chill by wearing something warmer around the house during these times. For example, try throwing on a pair of pants and a sweater in the morning and shedding layers as your home gets warmer throughout the day.
2. Reconsider Using the Fireplace
It might be tempting to use the fireplace during the colder months to help keep your family warm and cozy, but despite popular belief, this is one of the least efficient methods of heating a house. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the heat generated in your fireplace escapes through the chimney. Not only does setting a fire waste energy, but it also contributes to city air pollution levels. If you have to use a fireplace, try using a self-contained wood burner or pellet stove instead of those powered by electricity or gas.
3. Close Your Doors And Windows
This one seems like a no-brainer, but be sure to close your doors and windows when it is cold outside. This will help conserve energy as cold air cannot get in, and more importantly, heat cannot escape. You should also consider resealing or insulating window and door frames before the cold months hit. Even when windows and doors are closed, air can still pass easily through any tiny gaps or openings.
4. Inspect and Maintain HVAC Systems
With consistent use from year to year, furnaces, heat pumps, and other HVAC systems naturally undergo a lot of wear and tear. This leads to a less efficient system over time until it is finally time for a replacement. For this reason, you may consider ordering an HVAC inspection or furnace replacement in St Albert as the seasons start to change.
If you’re thinking of installing a heat pump, talk to your installer about its benefits. While AC units may be used for heating in addition to cooling, a heat pump uses less energy than an AC unit and are better suited for lower temperatures.
5. Keep Air Filters Clean
One way to reduce your heating bill this winter is to keep your air filters clean. Air filters reduce harmful dust and debris from entering your home and clogging your furnace or air conditioner. Keeping your filters clean will help ensure that your home stays warm during cold weather conditions. To keep your filters clean, follow these tips:
- Check the filter every month: A regular check of your filter will help identify any clogs or debris before they become problems. Make sure to replace the filter if it appears damaged or dirty.
- Clean the filter housing: Dirt, dust, and other debris can build up inside the filter housing over time. To clean this area, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment or a compressed air cleaner. Be sure to avoid contact with moving parts on the filter housing.
- Clean the outdoor air intake: If you have an outdoor air intake system, ensure it’s regularly cleaned of leaves, dirt, and snow accumulation. This will help reduce the amount of debris that enters the system and gets caught in the filters next time.
6. Place a Box Fan Near Radiators
Like most people, you probably use your home’s heating system more than you’d like to admit. And while there are ways to save money on your heating bill, placing a box fan near the radiators can be an easy way to lower your energy usage without making any big changes. Here are a few things to remember when using a box fan near the radiators:
- Ensure the fan is properly installed and oriented to blow air toward the heaters.
- Be sure to adjust the fan’s settings so that it’s blowing steadily and at a moderate pace too much airflow can cause damage to the equipment.
- Never leave a box fan running unattended. If something goes wrong, it could create a dangerous situation for yourself and those around you.
Conclusion
Lowering your heating bill this winter can be a lot easier than you think. By following these six tips, you’ll be able to save money on your heating bill without having to make any drastic changes to your lifestyle. All you need are a few simple adjustments and some perseverance to brave the cold.
