7 Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bill

Heating bills are not surprising, especially in the winter season. In chilling weather, you must keep the house warm, which comes at a cost. You cannot eliminate this expense, but you can reduce it. Realistically speaking, it is possible to decrease the electricity bill by 10-30%. 

How to Conserve Heat in Your Home? 

You are spending hard-earned money to keep your house warm. Don’t let that heat escape your home. You need to know where the energy is escaping and how to conserve it. We start with weather-stripping. 

Weather-stripping: 

Seal air leaks around the property, including doors, windows, and other moveable objects. You can apply these strips to entries and windows. For windows, you can also use foam sealing. 

Spray foam insulation is considered the best way to block air leakage. However, it may require more work or money. You can ask a window and door contractor about the process and whether it is needed in your house. 

Double Glazed Windows

Modern and newly constructed homes have dual or triple-pane windows, but most older properties use single-pane windows. Replacing the windows is an option, but it is expensive. For a less costly alternative, you can also use energy-saving blinds. For a few dollars, they can provide a cost-effective energy-saving solution.

Insulation

When was the last time you poked your head into the attic? Do you know what kind of insulation you have up there? Your attic should have an R-value of at least R40. The R-value is a measurement of resistance to heat flow. Today’s Houses have insulation blown into the attic to an R-value of 50 or 60. Increasing the insulation in your attic will reduce your energy bills in the winter and make your house feel cooler in the summer.

Easy Ways to Cut Heating Costs

Yearly Inspection

In winter, the central heating system works day and night to protect your family. Have your HVAC system serviced annually. You can also inspect it and call an expert if the system requires repairs. It is essential to replace the broken pieces before winter, in the fall season. Contractors are busy during winter. Hiring a contractor in the fall means you can get appointments quickly and will cost you less. 

Replacing Furnace Filters

A clogged filter unnecessarily increases the heating cost. Check the filter monthly and replace it regularly. Replace your filter with one that doesn’t restrict airflow to the furnace. Tightly woven and HEPA filters restrict airflow, causing your furnace to work harder to move air through to heat your home. The best type of filter is one with open mesh fibres. These are typically the cheapest filters you can get; this is the one time more affordable is better! Remember, your furnace isn’t designed to filter the air in your home; it’s designed to heat it. The filter is to protect the components of the furnace from large particles.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Replacing your thermostat can result in energy savings and, therefore, money savings. First, if you have an old thermostat, consider replacing it with a programmable one. The initial investment may cost a couple hundred dollars, but you can set the temperature precisely and on a schedule. 

Secondly, consider adjusting your thermostat a degree or two lower. If you set the temperature high (i.e., the low- to mid-20s), you can benefit from a temperature adjustment. Most people can feel warm at 20 degrees. This change can help you save 10% or more on monthly energy bills. We have observed a savings of $10/month/degree reduction. If you have a humidifier, ensure it is on and set appropriately. More moisture in the air can make it feel more comfortable at a cooler temperature.

Shop Around for an Energy Provider

One of the most effective ways to manage and reduce your heating costs is to consider shopping around for an energy provider. With the right provider, you can find flexible plans that suit your specific needs, whether you want to lock in a fixed rate to avoid seasonal fluctuations or prefer a variable plan that could take advantage of lower rates when demand is lower. Some providers offer energy-efficient tips and tools, like usage monitoring, that help you better manage your consumption. A few providers offer customer rewards or loyalty programs, providing additional value beyond just energy supply. Taking the time to compare energy providers can lead to significant savings and provide greater control over your energy bills.

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Conclusion

A little effort can help you save on energy bills. If you are not planning to spend big money, the last few tips mentioned above will get you started, and you can see a difference in your next gas bill. 

For any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.