The outdoor temperatures are dropping, which means your heating bills are going to go up. How can you stay on top of rising energy costs? Ernst Heating & Cooling of Hamel, Illinois, understands that it’s important for our customers to be savvy consumers. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to conserve energy during the colder winter months. Check them out below:
Adjust your thermostat – or switch it out for a smart thermostat!
According to Energy.com, consumers can save up to 10% a year on heating bills by lowering their thermostats by about 7°-10°F for eight hours a day. Turn down the heat at night and dream about what you’re going to do with the money you save. Does that seem a bit dramatic? Even lowering your thermostat by one or two degrees can make a difference in the energy bill.
The best way to control your indoor temperature is through a programmable or smart thermostat. These upgrades give you precision temperature control. Some models may even allow you to control the indoor climate from your phone.
Keep the cold air outside where it belongs and keep the heat in
Even small cracks or gaps can let in the cold air and force your heating system to work overtime, costing you money you don’t need to spend. Take a walk around your house and check the weather seals around doors and windows. Add weather stripping or caulk as necessary. How’s your attic? If you’re lacking good insulation, you may be paying for heat that you won’t be able to enjoy.
Replace your air filter
If your heating system uses forced air, you’ll want to make sure it’s flowing through a clean air filter. Not only do these workhorses prevent dust and dirt from coming into your home, they also help keep your home comfort system clean and efficient. A dirty air filter means your system must work harder to move air through the home, and that can lead to higher energy costs. Replace your air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, for cleaner air and better energy efficiency.
Upgrade to insulated curtains
Those gauzy curtains looked great all summer, but they’re not going to guard against the cold once it hits the Midwest. Instead, consider insulated curtains that put another barrier between the outdoor cold and your comfortable indoor living space. If we’re enjoying an occasional sunny day, though, keep the curtains open to let the sun supplement your heating system.
Turn the ceiling fans clockwise
During the summer, your ceiling fans spin counterclockwise, creating a refreshing down draft. In the cooler months, make sure the fans are spinning clockwise. This lets you access the warmer air that rises to your ceiling level during the day.
Make sure your heating system is running efficiently
Did you know that the average home’s heating system is only about 60 percent efficient? You can maximize your heating system’s efficiency by scheduling a tune-up with Ernst Heating & Cooling. Regular maintenance can mean the difference between a reasonable energy bill and one that sends cold chills down your spine. Let the professional Ernst technicians inspect your system. We’ll clean and lubricate it thoroughly and handle any necessary tightening and adjustments. These may seem like small steps, but they can pay you back with big savings. At Ernst Heating & Cooling, we want our customers to stay warm throughout the winter without compromising their budgets. If you skipped this year’s heating system tune-up, give us a call now at 618.217.1836 or fill out our online scheduling form. Save money on your winter heating bills by working with Ernst Heating & Cooling.