How to Save Money on Your Heating Bill This Winter
Let’s face it: winter has arrived, along with the higher home heating costs that strain most household budgets this time of year. The good news? With a few simple steps, you can lower your costs in the months ahead.
Check out our pro tips below on how to save money on your home heating bill this winter:
Don’t heat spaces you don’t use regularly
When it comes to saving money, we like to start with ideas that can make a difference without requiring a financial investment. For example, consider closing the doors and heat registers in rooms that are not in use, which will keep the areas you are using toasty without fully heating the spaces you aren’t occupying.
It’s a simple idea but one that slips many people’s minds! It makes sense though — after all, you don’t want heat going into rooms that aren’t being used, as it will leave less heat for you in the areas of your home that you are actively using.
Close your curtains
Closing your curtains (and blinds, if you have them) at night is an easy and money-saving way to keep you warm this winter. The opposite is also true when you wake up! By opening your curtains in the morning to let the natural sunlight in, you’ll be rewarded with inexpensive, instant warmth. Two additional tips here to consider:
- It almost goes without saying, but make sure your windows and exterior doors are closed tightly! Any openings here will let the cold in while allowing heat to sneak away, which will cause your furnace to work longer and harder to keep you warm, driving up costs.
- If your home has older windows and replacement isn’t an option, consider investing in thermal curtains, which work by trapping cold air between the window and the curtain, preventing it from entering the room.
Bundle up & save (on your energy bill)!
Nothing says winter has arrived quite like diving deep into your closet to find the cozy clothing you haven’t seen since last winter. As a bonus, bundling up a little more than usual will allow you to turn down the thermostat a bit, too.
According to Energy Star, you can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68 degrees F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home.
Clothing items like sweaters, socks, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and beanies will all help you feel more comfortable and warmer in your home this winter and help you save money. Just like bundling up with extra layers of clothing, adding more blankets, flannel sheets, or comforters to your bed can also provide great benefits and save you money. It’s a win-win!
Install a programmable thermostat
An easy and affordable way to reduce your heating costs is to install a programmable thermostat that regulates your home’s temperature at different intervals of the day. Most on the market even allow you to operate the thermostat from your phone, so you can save extra by adjusting the system when you know you’ll be delayed in returning home.
Some programmable thermostats include Wi-Fi capability, Google or Alexa connections, Bluetooth capabilities, or even the opportunity to sync with your local weather forecast. Others offer the ability to learn your daily habits and self-schedule based on anticipating your needs. Contact us for a recommendation on the right programmable thermostat for your needs.
Repair or replace your old furnace
If you’ve tried the above ideas and still aren’t seeing any savings and your heating system is relatively new, it’s time for a service call. By scheduling a tune-up, we can help ensure your system runs as efficiently as possible to lower your utility bills and increase your home’s comfort level. Plus, regular tuning will extend the life of your furnace or heat pump.
However, if your heating system is over ten years old, it might be time to consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient option. Not only will this set you up for longer-term success with consistent comfort in your home, but a new system will also lower your heating bill, reduce service costs, and be better for the environment.
Install an energy-efficient Ductless Heat Pump
If you’re in the market for a heating system replacement or need a secondary solution for a hard-to-heat-and-cool bonus room, a Ductless Heat Pump (also known as a Mini-Split) could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Ductless Heat Pumps are affordable, and efficient and do not require ductwork to heat and cool a space. On top of that, they’re easy to install, quiet, and can provide you with room-by-room temperature control. Plus, if you purchase a heat pump in Oregon, you may qualify for cash incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon!
Why choose Comfort Heating and Cooling?
We’re proud to be a full-service heating and cooling company. Our expertise is vast, and we love helping customers find the best solution for their home comfort needs at the best price possible. Call 503-679-9276 or schedule your consultation today with one of our NATE-certified HVAC technicians.
Learn more about how we can help you.