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Best Ways to Reduce Heating Costs this Winter

November 28, 2019
Heating and Air Conditioning Tips, HVAC Resources, HVAC Savings & Convenience, Plumbing Savings & Convenience

Warm up for winter with our simple reduce heating cost tips

Keeping your home warm and comfy during winter shouldn’t make you broke. Use the tips below to help you reduce heating cost, save energy, money, and help you stay cozy during the cold winter months.

Take Advantage of the Free Solar Heating

Despite the freezing temperature outside, the sun still brings some heat into your home. They’re free, so take advantage of them — the added heat will reduce how much your furnace needs to work.
Have your curtains open during the day, and close them at night to trap in the heat. Trim any tree branches or bushes that block the sunlight from your windows to maximize the gains.

Seal Drafty Windows

Use heavy-duty, transparent plastic sheet on a frame or tape transparent plastic film to the inside of your window frames throughout the winter months to help reduce infiltration.
Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

Adjust the Thermostat

Set your thermostat down by just a degree or two can cut your heating costs by up to 5%.
When you are asleep or away from the house, turn your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours and conserve around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. Or, consider installing a Smart or Programmable Thermostat; it allows you to adjust the heat to a planned schedule, so you can lower the heat when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping.
If you have a heat pump, keep a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specifically designed for use with heat pumps.

Find and Seal Leaks

Seal the air leaks from hard-to-see places like foundation, attic, air ducts, around utility cry-throughs for pipes, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky windows and doors.

Maintain Your Heating System

Schedule a service for your heating system.
For furnaces and heat pumps: Replace your filter once a month or as needed. A well-tuned heater and heat pump will run more efficiently, use less energy, and save you money over the long run.
For Wood- and Pellet-Burning Heaters: Clean the flue vent frequently and clean the inside of the appliance with a wire brush annually to make sure that your home is adequately heated.

Reduce Heat Loss from the Fireplace

Keep your fireplace damper shut when not in use to prevent all that snugly warm air from making a quick exit. If you don’t want to use your fireplace, plug and close the chimney flue.

Lower Your Water Heating Costs

Lower down the temperature of your water heater to 120°F. You will not only save energy, but you’ll also avoid scalding yourself.

Lower Your Holiday Lighting Costs

Try using a light-emitting diode or LED holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for winter holidays.

Reduce Heating Cost and Save Money with Heating System Checkup

There are simple and easy steps to start saving energy costs this winter season, and many can be done without breaking the bank. However, to achieve optimal efficiency, it is essential to get your heating system checked by a professional HVAC technician to identify any potential repairs needed.

Contact Einstein Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling to help you save energy costs by having our professional heating contractors to check, maintain, repair, or install a heating system in your Oregon, Washington, and Nevada home. Call us to schedule an HVAC service today at 888-671-7767 or email us at [email protected]. We also offer plumbing, heating & cooling, water heaters, and sewer & mainline services.

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