
As temperatures drop in winter, heating your home can quickly become one of the largest expenses that you experience. Fortunately, many easy yet effective practices, such as the following options, can help you slash heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
Stock Up on Blankets
Stocking up on warm and cozy blankets is an easy way to reduce heating costs. Forego thin blankets in favor of heavy ones that provide the warmth you need. Fleece blankets in varying weights can be great options. Blankets allow you to lower your thermostat without feeling chilly or having to wear multiple layers.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Many homeowners keep their ceiling fans running in one direction throughout the year. However, you’re supposed to change their direction based on the season. It’s ideal to have them running clockwise during the winter, as this helps circulate warm air throughout the room. Put them at their lowest speed, as this creates an updraft that warms the room. When the warmer temperatures of spring and summer approach, set your fans to operate counterclockwise.
Get an HVAC Tune-up
Hiring a professional technician to tune up your heating system and air conditioner is one of the best ways to ensure your equipment is ready for winter. Schedule an appointment for late fall so there’s still plenty of time to make repairs if necessary. Our technician will inspect your air filter and its housing during the appointment. You should change your filter approximately once every 30 to 90 days. This allows your HVAC system to operate efficiently without working harder than necessary due to a clogged air filter.
Seal Off Drafts
Gaps around windows and doors allow cold air to enter easily and warm air to escape, affecting indoor temperature. Sealing off these drafts is a cost-effective way to reduce heating expenses. Products like weather stripping and caulk are ideal for use around windows where drafts enter. You can also use draft blockers underneath your doors.
These cost-effective methods of preventing heat loss will also improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce the strain on your HVAC system, lowering your heating bills. They will also help establish a cozier environment that you can enjoy throughout the winter without worrying about cold drafts wafting in.
Wear Layers or Warm Materials
Wearing layers and warm materials in your home during winter is an easy way to reduce heating costs. You can keep your thermostat at a lower temperature while still enjoying warmth. Items such as sweaters, fuzzy socks, and fleece pants also add a cozy element.
If you prefer not to wear heavier clothing, you can layer lighter pieces, such as a long-sleeved T-shirt with a sweater over it. This allows you to tailor your comfort level according to your personal clothing preferences.
Adjust Your Ductwork Dampers
There are dampers that are located inside your ductwork. They can be adjusted to better direct the flow of warm air throughout your home. If you have areas of your residence that often experience cold spots in the winter, try adjusting your dampers to allow more warm air to flow to those spaces. Just make sure that you don’t completely close any of your ducts. This would have a negative impact on the airflow within your HVAC system and could result in equipment damage or inefficiencies. You should never close vents or registers in your home either. This can lead to damage to important components, such as your heat exchanger. It can also raise your risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
Adjusting your dampers not only helps reduce energy costs but also puts less strain on your HVAC system, reducing the chances of future repairs and potentially extending its lifespan.
Make simple decisions this winter that can help keep your heating costs to a minimum. Our team at Brian’s Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Madera, CA, can conduct an inspection of your HVAC system and provide advice on what you can do throughout your home to reduce your heating costs. Aside from heating services we also offer help with indoor air quality, air ducts, air conditioners, tankless water heaters, ventilation, and heat pumps. You can also schedule an energy audit to understand more about your home’s energy efficiency.
Call us today to schedule your appointment!
