6 Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bill

Heating bills don’t come as a surprise, especially in the winter season. In chilling weather, you need to keep the house warm, and that 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 you can conserve it. We start with weather-stripping. 

Weather-stripping: 

Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and other moveable objects around the property. 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 expensive alternative, you can also use energy-saving blinds. For a few dollars, they can provide a cost-effective energy-saving solution.

Insulation

When is 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. Houses built today are having insulation blown into the attic to an R-value of 50 or 60. Increasing the insulation in your attic will not only reduce your energy bills in the winter but will 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 yourself and call an expert if you believe 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 it 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 will both 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 that cheaper 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 save you money. First of all, if you have an old thermostat, consider replacing it with a programmable one. The initial investment may cost a couple of 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 energy bills each month. We have observed a savings of $10/month/degree reduction. If you have a humidifier, make sure it is on and set appropriately. More moisture in the air can make it feel more comfortable at a cooler temperature.

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. 

A lot of effort can help you save even more. If you plan to install new windows, doors, insulation, or other upgrades, be aware of the Canada Green Homes Grant program. If you are in Edmonton, also check out the city’s Home Energy Retrofit Accelerator.

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