Save Money on Your Heating Bills This Winter

It’s getting colder outside, even here in the land of perpetual sunshine and heat. With winter rapidly approaching, you’re going to start heating your home, which will make you cozy, but will send your electric bills rising.

Instead of ditching the heat altogether to save money this winter, we’ve compiled a few tips that will allow you to keep warm in your home without breaking the bank. 

Re-Insulate Your Home

Insulation is like a giant winter coat for your home in the winter. It blocks a large amount of cold air from entering your home, which in turn, saves you money. Insulation, however, becomes less effective over the years and does need to be replaced. Re-insulating the attic is a home improvement project that many homeowners don’t consider, so unless your home is brand new, it’s possible the time to re-insulate is now.

Although re-insulating your attic or home is a project that costs money initially, it’ll save you a bunch over the years.

Don't let your heating system break your bank this winter!

Seal Cracks in Your Home

You may not know it, but you could be losing hundreds of dollars a year in heating costs thanks to small cracks and openings all over your house. Check your windows and doorways for moving air and seal them with weather stripping materials.

Have a professional come to your home and check your duct work and plumbing as well. Leaky ducts can account for 10-30 percent of heating and cooling costs. How can you tell if your ducts are leaking? Look back at one of our previous blog posts, 'Signs That Your Air Ducts Are Leaking', and if you think you have leaky ducts, give us a call at (623)533-5718.

Another way to make sure warm air isn’t escaping from your home is to close your fireplace’s damper when not in use and make sure it’s tightly sealed. If you can feel a draft with the damper closed, call a professional to tighten and seal it correctly.

Adjust the Thermostat

Save up to 10% on your heating bills in the winter by turning your heat down when you leave the house, even if it’s just for a couple hours. If you can turn it completely off, that’s even better. Don’t leave your heat on just to ensure you come home to a warm house; turn the heat on once you get home and the chill will leave the air quickly. Depending on how many blankets you like to sleep with, you could cut your heating expenses even further by turning the thermostat down or off at night.

Reset Hot Water Settings 

There’s a secret many homeowners don’t realize: hot water heaters are often factory set for 140 degrees, which is hot enough to burn your skin. The Department of Energy has determined that most people prefer their hot water at about 120 degrees. Resetting your hot water heater to a slightly lower temperature can save you up to 10% on heating costs, which is a lot considering your hot water heater accounts for about 15% of your heating bill. The best part is, you won’t even be able to tell a difference! 

Dress Warm

Our last tip costs you literally no money at all, aside from a potential shopping trip. Dress warmly in your home in the winter to cut down on heating costs. Since everyone’s body is different, some get colder more quickly than others. Keeping your thermostat at a steady temperature is more energy efficient than turning it up and down all day long. If some of your family members get cold, get them warm, fuzzy socks and indoor sweaters to lounge around in. We lose most of our body heat from our feet and our heads, so keeping these parts of our bodies warm is incredibly important.

We don’t believe that you have to sacrifice comfort for savings, especially in your own home. Keep these energy saving tips in mind this winter and you’ll be amazed at how much money you’ll save… perhaps for more holiday presents?!