Have you noticed that your energy bill skyrockets during the fall and winter? Are you looking for different ways to cut the costs and control your home's temperature more efficiently? If so, then you need to learn about ways to save on your heating bill.
Doing so can help you find ways of keeping the heat trapped inside. Your heating bill usually starts to climb when there are ways of the heat leaving your home. identifying these will help.
See below for several tips on how to lower your average heating bill and make your home more energy-efficient for your community.
1. Install More Insulation
Perhaps you've tried a few different methods of sealing the heat inside your home with little to no results. For example, you may have tried to seal your windows and doors, but the heating bill continues to climb.
If so, then you might be dealing with a lack of insulation. Ideally, there should be insulation inside your floors, ceiling, and walls to prevent the heat from escaping.
Heat naturally rises, so having proper insulation in your roof, ceiling, and attic are especially essential.
So... how do you know if this is the issue you're dealing with? How can you tell if you need more insulation or not? Schedule a home energy audit with a trusted contractor.
That way, you'll have an expert walk through your home and make recommendations on different products (not just insulation) that can help you dramatically lessen your energy bill.
2. Put Your Ceiling Fans in Reverse
Some of you might be surprised to find out that most ceiling fans have a feature that allows you to put them in reverse.
You might ask yourself "why would I want to do that?". Because reversing the fan can help you increase the delegation of heat throughout each room of your house.
Since hot air naturally rises, most of it will collect near your ceiling. When you reverse the direction of your fan, it will blow that hot air back towards the ground so that you and your family are more comfortable.
This will help you feel less of those temporary cool spells between circulations. You'll find that you don't have to layer up on blankets quite as often.
3. Lower the Temperature
While this might be easier said than done, lowering the temperature on your thermostat can help you save a tremendous amount of money over the course of the winter.
Think about it, lowering the temperature even 1 degree will force your heater to produce much less energy over a 24-hour period alone. You can use a space heater to temporarily heat the room you're sitting in, which will cost less money.
Also, be sure to regulate your thermometer based on the day and night. Lowering the thermometer a few degrees less during the night will help you find a comfortable temperature and save up to 10-percent on your heating bill each month.
Simply layer up on clothes and socks while you sleep at night, and maybe curl up with an extra blanket or two. Toning down the heater while you sleep will also prevent you from waking up from night sweats.
During the day, you can use natural light to your advantage. Open up the blinds and let the UV rays naturally increase the temperature inside your home. No need to turn the heater up a notch!
4. Look for Air leaks
Your problem might not be with the insulation in your home. It might not be a thermometer malfunctioning. You might be dealing with a few spots that don't seal the way that you're supposed to.
To combat this problem, you need to find those spots and seal them as quickly as possible.
If you're struggling with a tremendous uptick in your heating bill, then it's probably a collective sealing issue with things like your windows, doors, recessed lights, chimney, plumbing, or closets.
For those of you that fear you're struggling with this issue, be sure to contact a contractor to stop those air leaks at the source.
5. Dress Appropriately
Too many people have the wrong mindset when they set the thermometer in their house. You shouldn't aim to keep yourself comfortable in short sleeves and shorts. You should be trying to keep yourself comfy in winter clothing.
You'd be amazed at how little heat you need your heater to produce if you dress according to the winter months.
Bust out the flannel shirts, put on a hoodie, wear more long sleeves, invest in more sweatpants or jeans. Whatever makes you comfortable but requires less heat to keep you cozy.
6. Clear All Vents
Perhaps you're getting in your own way of proper heating with the home decor around your house. It's common for a rug or furniture to block a vent or two and cause the heater to work overtime to compensate.
Take a walk around your home and make sure to give all vents at least a foot of room on all sides.
Be sure to clean them on the inside and out, allowing the hot air to blow in your home without any obstacles.
Improve Your Heating Bill This Winter
Now that you have seen several ways to lower your heating bill this winter, it's time for you to take them to heart.
Be sure to start by visiting this page of frequently asked questions to learn more about insulation solutions and receiving a home energy audit.
For more inquiries, please begin by reach out to request a quote and we will be happy to assist you further.
