There’s no denying it—the cold weather has finally arrived, and along with it, the costs associated with keeping a home toasty and warm all winter long. While hiring a professional heating company to clean and maintain your heating system may be the most effective way to keep these costs down, there are a few affordable strategies you can do yourself.
At Hutchinson Plumbing Heating Cooling Energy Services, we’re proud to not only provide Atlantic County with heating repairs, but also the tips and information to help you save energy, and ultimately money, this fall and winter. Let’s take a look at some affordable yet effective energy saving tactics for your home:
1. Install Your Storm Windows and Doors
A storm door can dramatically increase energy efficiency and offer opportunities to allow light and ventilation into your home. By pulling those storm windows out of the basement or attic, you can keep unwanted drafts out of your home.
2. Use Window Insulation Kits
You can pick up these kits at your local hardware store. They’re perfect as an extra buffer against drafts, and can enhance your home’s ability to store heat.
3. Use Weatherstripping and Caulking
The gaps and leaks around your windows, doors, and where pipes or wires enter or exit can cause a significant drop in energy efficiency. By sealing them, you can prevent this drop and keep the cold where it belongs—outside.
4. Insulate Your Pipes
If your pipes are warm to the touch, they can benefit from some insulation. You can purchase pre-slit pipe foam from a hardware store. Providing these pipes with the popper insulation can save wasted energy, allowing you to pay less for hot water.
5. Change Your Furnace Filters
Once a month during the heating season, these filters need to be changed to allow for airflow and to trap debris and other contaminants.
6. Turn Down Your Water Heater
Most conventional water heaters are set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but they don’t need to be. By lowering the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, your water will still be plenty hot, and you’ll save money, too.
7. Reverse Your Fans
Many ceiling fans feature a button which allows them to be reversed. By switching your ceiling fans to a clockwise direction, you can actually make the room warmer, saving energy and cutting heating costs.
8. Check Your Thermostat
For every degree you lower the thermostat this season, you save one to three percent on your heating bill. If you’re going to be out of the house for more than a few hours, it’s a good idea to turn your thermostat down.
9. Use an Energy Monitor
This device can display your household electricity usage in real time, and even project your monthly bill. Having this information can help you to substantially reduce your energy consumption.
10. Open South-Facing Blinds
If you have South-facing windows, open the blinds to allow some light in. By letting in sunlight, you can use the sun’s rays to provide a natural source of heat for your home’s interior.
Looking for more expert advice for saving on heating costs this winter? Check out the video below!
If you’re wondering if your heating system is running efficiently, then consider a free Energy Audit from Hutchinson Plumbing Heating Cooling Energy Services. We can perform an inspection to check your insulation, check for air leaks and drafts, access your furnace’s condition, and so much more.
We’re dedicated to keeping you and your family warm and comfortable, no matter what the season is. For more information on how to save energy in this winter, or for home heating repairs in New Jersey, call us at 866-953-8728 today!