9 Ways To Lower Heating Costs

Many consider the winter months to be synonymous with holiday shopping, sweater weather, and Christmas decorating but for property owners, dropping temperatures likewise mean rising heating costs. The good news is that home and business owners don’t have to break the bank on costly renovations and hardware upgrades. With planned maintenance, a few tweaks around the property, and good habit-making, heating systems can be optimized to be more efficient and less taxing on your wallet. Learn what you can do to lower your heating costs with these simple tips from heating repair company in Gainesville, FL, LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating. Call us to learn more about our heating and A/C services or to schedule services.

Adjust The Thermostat

This might seem like an obvious solution, but adjusting the thermostat by a few degrees could make all the difference in savings. During the day, keep your thermostat at approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If necessary, wear a sweater to keep warm and cozy. You may increase the heat at night to help you sleep more comfortably. For even greater control of your indoor air, install a smart thermostat to remotely control your home’s temperature when you’re away.

Use Sunlight To Your Advantage

Not all home heating solutions come with a price tag — sunlight is both free and beneficial for keeping your indoor living spaces warm. Welcome the sun’s natural heat into your home by opening south-facing curtains and shades during daylight hours. Don’t forget to close them at night to trap the heat inside. Even better, get insulated curtains with reflective films and acrylic or high-density foam insulation to make the most of this natural heating source.

Turn On Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can likewise help warm rooms. Ever wondered what those oddly-placed switches on ceiling fans were for? Flipping them in the opposite direction reverses the traditional counterclockwise rotation to a clockwise rotation. This draws the air upwards and to the sides of the room, bringing hot air downwards. It will not actually raise the temperature in the room, but it can help circulate air more effectively throughout the room.

Turn Down The Water Heater

Hot showers can be revitalizing, especially in the winter, but chances are your water heater is set higher than necessary. Most water heater thermostats come preset at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than what the average person needs and could even prove harmful to your hair and skin. Lower the temperature setting to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for savings of up to 5 percent on your next utility bill. Don’t worry, your shower will still be plenty hot.

Replace Air Filters

Dirty furnace filters make your system work harder due to restricted airflow. Not only does a harder-working system mean a higher utility bill, but it also increases the likelihood you’ll need to schedule HVAC repairs. Additionally, dirty filters can pose a threat to health by allowing harmful pathogens to circulate through indoor air. To maximize performance, clean or replace filters at least once a month for the duration of the cold season. To better safeguard the safety of residents, install high-quality air filters.

Install Storm Doors & Windows

Doors and windows should be properly and professionally insulated to prevent indoor heat from escaping outdoors. Small gaps between the glass and frame of windows as well as gaps where doors meet floors should be sealed with caulk or weather stripping. This will not only help you save on your next utility bill but insulating your home is in many instances a tax-deductible home improvement. This minor upgrade is useful for keeping heated or cooled air inside year-round.

Insulate The Attic & Basement

Even though they are often overlooked, foundation areas — such as attics and basements — are the main gateways from which heat escapes your home. Insulating your property’s foundation areas should be a high priority to prevent your heating system from overworking. Not only can an insulated foundation help you save money by allowing your heater to run less often, but it can also help raise the value of your property.

Install Humidifiers

Humidifiers can be a great, inexpensive addition to your home heating system. Because humid air retains heat better than dry air, humidifiers can help keep heat inside your home. Additionally, if you are finding it harder to breathe or there’s an increase in static around your house, humid air is also easier to breathe in and conduces less static electricity than dry air. You can choose from whole-home humidifiers to standalone appliances.

Close Your Chimney Flue

If you are fortunate enough to own a property with a fireplace, make sure the chimney flue is closed when the fireplace is not in use. An open flue is like an open window — when left open, warm air escapes from your home and cool makes its way inside. Make sure you close the flue all the way and don’t forget to check the damper seal to ensure it’s tightly closed.