Winter usually means higher energy bills. This is because colder temperatures increase the demand on your heating system, leading to increased use. However, you don’t have to choose between freezing and spending a fortune. There are a few simple tricks you can utilize to stay nice and toasty without running your heater day and night. This article explores the top tricks for heating your house while lowering energy bills!

Find and Close Any Air Leaks

Cold air may be invading your home without you realizing it! Poorly hung doors, drafty windows, and electrical spaces can allow cold air to enter or warm air to exit your home. Shoring up these vulnerabilities will improve insulation, keeping warm air inside and cold air out. 

You can use insulation strips or sealing compounds to close up these leaks. If you have a fireplace, close the damper when not in use. This is a common way that air leaks in and out of your home, reducing the temperature in the winter. By properly sealing your home, you can save up to 20 percent on heating costs! 

How Can a Programmable Thermostat Help?

Properly scheduling your HVAC system can prevent unnecessary energy waste when you are sleeping or not at home. Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to accurately schedule their heating systems to align with their daily routines. For example, you can set it to 68º F while at home and schedule it to lower by 7 to 10 degrees when you leave or at night, ensuring you only use the energy you need.

Even this slight adjustment can significantly impact your utility bills. While you’ll remain warm and comfortable throughout the day, you can save up to 10 percent annually on HVAC costs! Whether you have a heat pump, floor heating, or furnace, ensure your programmable thermostat is compatible with your heating unit.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

You don’t always need to rely on manmade heating systems. Instead, utilize the great big heater in the sky — the sun — to heat your home during the winter. Open curtains on south-facing windows to let in ample sunlight and warm the house, then close them after sunset to preserve this warmth. This simple act can make a big difference in comfort and costs; you’ll also enjoy a brightened mood due to the emotional benefits of natural light.

Add Insulation

Increasing or using better insulation in your walls can reinforce your home’s atmosphere, ensuring heat stays trapped inside and cold air stays outside. Older structures can have poor insulation, as insulation quality has dramatically improved since the 1970s, so updating it can increase comfort during the colder months.

Check the insulation in areas you don’t often visit, like your attic, to find opportunities for improvement. This investment can lower heating bills by up to 15 percent, making it well worth the effort.

Don’t Neglect HVAC Maintenance

Regular HVAC maintenance will keep your system working optimally and your energy bills low. An inefficient heater uses more energy as it works harder to warm your home, leading to higher costs and greater energy waste. Replace the air filter every one to three months to optimize airflow and prevent your heater from working too hard during the winter. It’s also helpful to schedule regular heater maintenance from a trusted HVAC professional.

HVAC technicians can conduct regular inspections to catch potential problems or inefficiencies. They can also perform seasonal tune-ups to prepare your heating system for the incoming weather, such as cleaning fallen leaves and other debris, changing filters, and ensuring peak performance throughout the winter.

If you need HVAC assistance, the friendly technicians at ProFlo can help! We offer fast and efficient heater repair and maintenance backed by years of experience and unmatched customer service. We provide prompt, affordable, and lasting solutions to all of your HVAC needs. As a locally-owned business, we treat every customer with neighborly care! Call ProFlo today at 951-694-1300 or contact us online for a free quote.