When the chill of winter sets in, your heater can quickly become your best friend — but also your biggest energy spender. In fact, heating your home can gobble up nearly half of your energy bill! But do not worry; you don’t have to sacrifice warmth to save money.
With a few clever changes, you can make your home cozy without sky-high costs. Ready to keep both your home and your wallet warm? In this blog, we will learn 5 ways to save energy and lower heating bills this winter.
1. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat plays a significant role in managing your home’s energy usage. Thus, it is essential to adjust it wisely to save majorly on your heating bills without sacrificing comfort.
How to set your thermostat –
- During the day – Keep your thermostat set to around 68°F (20°C) when you are at home and awake. It is a comfortable temperature for most people and is one of the best ways an individual can save money.
- At night or when away – Lower your thermostat by 10-15°F when you are sleeping or away from home for more than a few hours. This can save up to 10% on heating costs each year.
- Use a smart thermostat – These devices learn your schedule and can adjust the temperature based on when you are home or away. With the help of these smart devices, you can control your home’s temperature remotely via smartphone apps, which helps you prevent energy waste.
Why it works – Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees during non-peak times reduces the amount of energy your heating system needs to use, which leads to lower utility bills.
2. Improve Insulation in Your Home
Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to save energy. A well-insulated home retains heat better and reduces the need for your heating system to work constantly.
Where to add insulation –
- Attic – Insulating your attic is one of the most important steps you can take. Heat rises, and without sufficient attic insulation, a lot of warm air escapes through the roof. Thus, adding insulation to your attic can prevent this and keep your home warmer.
- Walls – If your walls are under-insulated, it could be costing you more to heat your home. Therefore, consider adding insulation to exterior walls if necessary—particularly important in older homes.
- Windows and doors – Windows and doors are often the culprits when it comes to heat loss. Use weatherstripping to seal gaps around doors and windows. If you need an added layer of protection, you can consider installing window film to help with insulation.
- Floors and basements – Try to insulate floors above unheated spaces, like basements or crawl spaces; it helps to prevent heat loss and keeps your floors warmer.
Why it works – Insulation prevents heat from escaping your home, which reduces the workload on your heating system.
3. Schedule Regular Maintenance Checks for Your Heating System
Your heating system needs to be in top condition to work efficiently, especially during the colder months. Regular maintenance checks are one of the best ways you can prevent costly repairs or breakdowns in the future.
What to check and maintain –
- Change air filters regularly – A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, which makes your system work harder. Check and replace air filters every 1-3 months during the heating season for optimal performance.
- Inspect ducts for leaks – Leaky ducts can cause heat loss and make your heating system less efficient. Have a professional inspect and seal ducts if necessary.
- Check for proper airflow – Ensure that vents and radiators are not blocked by furniture, rugs, or other objects. Proper airflow is very important if you want to keep your system running effectively.
- Clean the furnace – Dust and debris can accumulate inside your furnace and reduce its efficiency. A professional technician can clean the furnace and check for any potential issues before they become serious problems.
Why it works – Regular maintenance ensures that your heating system is working at its peak efficiency while reducing energy waste and preventing breakdowns that could lead to expensive repairs or replacements.
4. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient HVAC System
If your HVAC system is old or inefficient, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. Modern systems are designed to use less energy while providing the same level of comfort.
Benefits of upgrading –
- Energy-efficient models – Newer furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners are designed to use less energy. Look for models that have an ENERGY STAR label, which indicates they meet high energy efficiency standards.
- High-efficiency furnaces – Modern furnaces with high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings can save you significant amounts on heating costs. These furnaces are able to convert a higher percentage of fuel into heat, which makes them more productive.
- Heat pumps – Heat pumps are versatile and energy-efficient systems that provide both heating and cooling. They work by transferring heat rather than generating it, which makes them much more economical than traditional heating methods.
Why it works – Upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system can drastically reduce your energy usage, which leads to lower monthly heating bills. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings on energy bills can make the investment worthwhile.
5. Consider Energy-Saving Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is an efficient way to warm your home. Turning your floor into a radiator provides even heat distribution and avoids the energy waste common with standard heating methods.
Advantages of Underfloor Heating –
- Energy-efficient heating – Underfloor heating warms the room evenly while reducing the risk of overheating and saving energy. It is a great alternative to traditional radiators, which often leave cold spots.
- Comfortable warmth – The heat rises gently from the floor, keeping your feet warm and creating a cozy atmosphere in your home.
Tips for Using Underfloor Heating –
- Choose the right type – Decide between electric and water-based systems. Electric systems are simpler to install in existing homes, while water-based systems are more efficient and suitable for new builds.
- Hire a professional – Proper installation is key to efficiency. Hire a professional to ensure the system works as intended.
- Pair with smart controls – Use a smart thermostat to set schedules and adjust the temperature remotely while saving energy and increasing convenience.
Why it works – Energy-saving underfloor heating uses less energy to create a comfortable, consistent warmth. Although the installation may have upfront costs, the long-term energy savings and improved comfort make it a worthwhile investment.
Final Thought
Well, saving energy and lowering heating bills during the winter does not have to be complicated. You can make simple adjustments to your thermostat setting, improve your home’s insulation, schedule regular maintenance checks, etc., to keep your home comfortable while saving on energy costs.
Integrating these steps can save energy, drop heating costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of your home’s heating system.
Schedule An Appointment Today!
Take control of your comfort and energy savings this winter! Visit Ross Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. for expert HVAC solutions and personalized service.