The US Department of Energy says heating your home uses the most energy and costs more than any other system in your home. Heating costs can make up 40 percent of your utility bill. Although the money-gobbling monster in the basement is the cause of high heating bills, the furnace can’t be blamed. Furnaces often work overtime to compensate for leaky windows and doors. Discover how to cut home heating costs and reduce energy bills this winter.
How to Cut Home Heating Costs in the Winter
Turn Down the Thermostat
Focus on energy-efficient measures to cut your home heating costs when dealing with high electric heat and natural gas prices. Start with lowering the thermostat.
Lowering the thermostat can save you 10 percent annually. The best time to lower your thermostat is before bed and leaving the house in the morning. Setting it to around 63 degrees Fahrenheit should still be comfortable.
A smart thermostat is a great option, allowing you to control your thermostat from your phone, whether at home or away. However, dialing down the thermostat can make a heat pump less efficient.
Let the Sun In
Another easy way to save money on home heating costs is to let the warmth from sun-heated windows into your home. Open your blinds and drapes and close them as the sun goes down to keep the heat from the sun in for longer.
Energy-efficient windows will act as a layer of insulation, helping you save on heating costs. This practice is called “passive solar heating.”
Use those Appliances
Use the oven to cook or bake! The heat from the oven will increase the temperature in the kitchen. You’ll also have a hot meal or freshly baked cookies, which will make your house smell great.
(Caution: While an oven or stovetop can act as a space heater, never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. Doing so can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.)
Shut the Doors
Remember to close the door after entering or exiting a room. Keep the doors of seldom-used rooms closed all the time to keep hot air flowing to those locations.
Closing the vents in unused rooms can also lower energy costs. This will help the heat in the ducts bypass those rooms and go where needed. Consider placing a drafter blocker at the bottom of the door to prevent air leaks.
Shut the Windows – Tightly
Leaky windows let warm air out and cold air in. Over time, the contraction and expansion of window frames will result in windows being unable to shut tightly. The seals around the windows also crack and perish. The cost of replacement windows won’t take too long to recoup from lower heating bills.
Check the Ducts
Heat is lost through poorly maintained ducts and in uninsulated areas such as the basement, attic, and garage. To prevent leaks, seal around the joints in the ducting. You can seal them by using foil tape or mastic sealant. Also, check the ducts for blockages.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can be set to operate in reverse. This will have the effect of sending the warm air that is rising back down into the room again. To test, stand under the fan when it is on – you shouldn’t feel any air movement.
Doing this distributes heat more evenly and offers potential savings on your home energy bill.
Clean Filters
In forced-air heating systems, the furnace probably has a filter. That filter traps:
- Dust
- Dander
- Mold spores
- Smells
- Small particles
- Pet hair
Debris can build up without regular cleaning. Consequently, the heating system won’t operate properly. Clean the air filters once a month to keep the system running optimally. A clean filter improves air quality and can help reduce home heating costs by up to fifteen percent, according to the Dept. of Energy.
Move Furniture
Having furniture in front of heating vents prevents warm air from circulating. If possible, rearrange the furniture to be a few feet away from the vents to improve airflow. This will allow air to travel freely and distribute the heat better. If you cannot rearrange the couches, try to pull them forward a couple of inches.
Insulate
Insulating the attic and walls will reduce heat loss through the walls and roof. Insulation comes in different qualities and grades for different purposes.
Ask the professionals for advice and a quote on insulation services.
HVAC System Upgrade
Older HVAC systems probably no longer work efficiently. As with window replacements, you can recover the investment cost of a new HVAC system over time. Replacing an old system with an Energy Star model can significantly reduce the average cost of heating your home.
A new HVAC system and new energy-efficient windows will also increase your property value should you ever want to sell your home.
Depending on your location, you may be eligible for a tax credit for choosing a high-efficiency HVAC system.
Energy Audit
An energy audit is an inspection survey that analyzes how energy efficiency of a house. This is something you can do if you know what to look for. However, if in doubt, leave it to the professionals. They will have the necessary experience and tools.
An audit will give you a game plan with which to move forward. They can suggest the best ways to improve energy efficiency in your home’s heating and cooling.
If you are on a tight budget, you will at least have a plan to work towards and know what to prioritize.
Wrapping up: How to cut Home Heating Costs
There are many quick and easy steps to take that will help you save money. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Ensure your home is adequately insulated
- Seal any air leaks around doors and windows
- Maintain your heating system and change filters
- Lower your water heater temperature
- Upgrade to Energy Star-certified windows and doors
- Invest in High-efficiency appliances
Additional Reading: Stay Warm and Save Money with ENERGY STAR This Season
Discount Window and Door of Omaha
At Discount Window and Door of Omaha, we are committed to providing the best quality doors and replacement windows. We employ the most skilled installers to ensure the highest standard of quality service. Our Omaha door and window installers are highly trained, certified industry professionals with years of experience, including some second and third-generation employees.