Managing your heating bill in the winter is difficult business, especially when you have outdated equipment or an old house. Having to spend more money in the colder months can take away from cash you want to put towards new furniture or other home upgrades.
If you notice that your heating bills seem too high, here are 7 ways to lower the monthly cost. For larger projects, you aren’t comfortable doing on your own, contact professionals like the team at Apollo Home to get the job done right. Then you can start planning how to spend all the money you are going to save on your heating bill.
1. Upgrade your Thermostat
If you have an old thermostat, replace it with a new programmable or smart thermostat. The average cost ranges from $100 to $500 dollars. The higher-end models allow you to program the temperature in your house with smart technology. For some, you can even set or change the temperature from your phone or computer when you are away from the house.
It may seem like a lot of money up front. But a new thermostat will cut down on your heating bills each month. Before you know it will have paid for itself and even started saving you money.
2. Seal and Insulate your Ducts
Are the ducts in your home sealed and insulated? A lot of homeowners might have trouble answering that question. But the average home loses a lot of its heating energy through duct leaks.
When you seal off duct leaks you can eliminate the wasted heating energy that is lost. On top of that, if you put insulation around your ducts, you will reduce even more heating energy waste. That translates into savings on your bill, as it will take less energy to provide the same amount of heat.
3. Whole-Home Humidifiers
Dry air in the wintertime costs a lot of discomfort. It also increases heating costs. When humidity levels are balanced, your body retains the heat, which makes you feel warmer. That’s why installing a whole-home humidifier can save on your energy bill.
When humidity levels are kept at a comfortable setting, you can lower your thermostat and increase savings without feeling colder.
4. Seal Air Leaks
Cracks and gaps in your home allow cold air from the outside to enter while the warm air inside escapes. If you seal up these leaks it will make it a lot easier to maintain heat levels where you want them. Otherwise, your furnace will be working constantly to maintain the level you set it at.
You can seal air leaks in your home through weatherproofing, insulation and caulking. Here are the best places to start when looking for air leaks:
- Door and window frames
- Entryways into attics or basements
- Electrical outlets
- Exterior wall penetrations (e.g. pipes, cables, wires)
5. Add More Insulation
Even if your attic and floors already have insulation, it might not be enough. Most builders will only put a minimal level of insulation in a home to save on construction costs. By adding extra insulation to your home, you will prevent heat from escaping outside. This will also prevent your furnace from overworking, which will cut down on its operating costs.
6. Replace Furnace Filters
Furnace filters need to be changed more than you might think, especially in the winter months. A dirty filter will block airflow, which in turn causes your furnace to work harder than it should. Check your filter at least once a month in the winter and replace it when needed.
7. Clean Your Radiators and Baseboard Heaters
If you live in a home with radiators or baseboard heaters, make sure they are kept clean. Dust build-up on these components restricts the amount of heat that comes out of them. When the heat is turned off, clean off the dust.