10 Quick Ways to Save on Heating Costs

Winter weather can be harsh on your budget. While you try to stay warm, your heating bills go sky high.

Fortunately, you can save money on heating costs while still feeling toasty warm at home.

1. Adjust the Thermostat

Many people end up paying for heat when they don't need it. If you work during the day, you may see saving if you set your thermostat 5 to 8 degrees cooler while you're gone. You can also set your thermostat to a colder temperature at night. After all, you're typically under blankets keeping warm anyway.

Setbacks are most beneficial for homes heated by a gas furnace. Homes with heat pumps should the setbacks should be no more than 3 to 4 degrees, especially for all-electric homes. Why? Larger swings in temperature are sometimes less manageable for a properly sized heat pump. Although an electric furnace can recover quicker from a setback, it is less efficient than your heat pump. If your electric furnace is called upon during recovery, setback savings may be minimal at best.

Systems with variable and staging technology are designed to run at very efficient levels only working as hard as it needs. If your home is set at consistent temperatures, your system can save you money while sustaining these temperatures very efficiently.

2. Add Humidity

Adding proper humidity to your home with a whole home humidifier added to your home heating system can make your home feel warmer. In winter months the outdoor and indoor air is much dryer. Adding proper humidity can make your home feel 2 to 4 degrees warmer meaning you can feel warmer in your home at lower temps. For every degree your thermostat is turned down can reduce your heating costs 3 to 5 percent.

3. Insulate

By insulating common areas in your home, you can prevent heat from escaping. You can:

• Replace worn weatherstripping on your doors and windows
• Seal gaps around pipes and cables with expanding foam
• Seal any leaks or holes in your ductwork
• Re-insulate your attic
• Raise the thresholds of your outside doors to close the space between the door and the threshold
• Close the chimney flue and block the space with a chimney balloon

With these changes, you'll stay warmer without having to crank up your heat.

4. Maximize Sunlight

Exposing your home to sunlight warms your home while costing you nothing at all. You can increase sunlight to your home by opening window curtains during the day. Make sure to close the curtains at night to stop drafts from entering through your windows.

5. Lock Doors and Windows

Normally you think of locking windows and doors as a safety measure rather than a way to warm your home. But locking the doors and windows ensures that the locks press firm against the weatherstripping. This blocks cold air from entering.

6. Uncover Heating Vents

Check all the heating supply vents in your home and make sure they're not covered by furniture or décor. If they are, remove these items to allow the heat to flow freely. Also check to make sure your return air vents are not covered. These vents allow your furnace to pull the air throughout each room in your home.

7. Use a Space Heater

A space heater is one way to add some extra warmth to the rooms you spend the most time in. Running a space heater can be less expensive than cranking up the heat. If you have numerous uncomfortable spaces in your home it may be time to give Bryant a call and resolve the real issue.

8. Change Your Furnace Filter

When your filter gets clogged with dirt, your furnace has to work harder to heat your home. Change your filter about once a month to promote peak efficiency.

9. Get a New Furnace

If your current furnace isn't working at full form, it may be time for you to get a new one. After all, old furnaces can waste a significant amount of energy. A new furnace could cut your heating bills up to 20 percent.

10. Get Your Furnace Repaired

If you're not quite ready for a new furnace, you could also save money by getting your furnace repaired. HVAC specialists can examine and repair any problems that affect your furnace's efficiency, such as:

• Faulty ignition
• Broken limit switch
• Malfunctioning thermostat
• Broken pilot light
• Faulty gas pressure regulator

An HVAC specialist should check your furnace at least once a year to address any problems.

Saving money on heating bills doesn't mean you need to wear coats and gloves in your house. Follow these tips to cut your heating bill quickly and easily.

If you need a new furnace or repairs for your current furnace, contact Bryant Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical & Plumbing.  We offer many furnace options that work efficiently for optimal home comfort.