Money Saving Tips For Heating Your Home

Winter is here and with it comes higher heating bills. With energy costs predicted to rise in many parts of the nation, now is a good time to strategize ways to keep your home warm without wrecking your budget. For starters, you can make sure that your doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent cold air from creeping in and keep the damper on your fireplace closed when you’re not using it. In addition, you can change out your window treatments for curtains and drapes made of heavier fabric and leave them open during the day to take advantage of sunshine.

Here are some other steps you can take to keep your home warm during the winter without blowing up your heating bills:

Change Your Furnace Filter

This simple task can curtail many winter weather heating problems. A dirty furnace filter can impede warm air flow, causing your furnace to work overtime trying to keep your house comfortable. A stressed furnace can suffer a myriad of (more expensive) problems. An industry rule is to change furnace filters every three months. If you or any other family members suffer from allergies, then change the filter more often.

Ceiling Fans

Your ceiling fan can also be used during colder months. Simply reverse the direction so the blades are rotating clockwise. Why? Heat rises, so the clockwise airflow will draw warm air trapped near the ceiling and downward allow it to better circulate throughout the room.

Programmable Thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat will help you save on your heating bills. Program the thermostat so that your furnace runs at a lower temperature during the day when nobody is home. Then, you can ask the thermostat to crank up the heat, so your home is warm and cozy in the late afternoon when everybody returns from work, school, and other activities. You won’t waste money warming an empty house during the day.

Insulation

Proper insulation will keep your home warmer for less. Early autumn is an ideal time to shore up insulation in drafty areas such as your attic and crawl spaces. If you live in a very cold region, consider insulating your pipes to prevent freezing. Close off rooms you don’t use daily to conserve energy.

Furnace Inspections

Seasonal furnace inspections and maintenance go a long way toward keeping your home warm during the winter and reducing heating bills. An HVAC specialist will take your furnace apart to inspect it, clean it and ensure all parts are in good working order. You may believe it’s an unnecessary cost, but you’ll think again if your furnace conks out when it’s -20 degrees out.

Atlas Butler Has You Covered Year Round

If you need furnace repair, a programmable thermostat, or want to schedule a furnace inspection, reach out to Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167 to schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC specialists. You can also learn more about our Comfort Club. When you become a member, you’ll receive discounts on parts, service calls, and seasonal inspections and maintenance.