When the winter weather outside becomes cold, it can be difficult to make your home feel comfortable. It doesn’t have to be freezing outside for your home to feel cold. Winter has a way of sneaking up on us. It’s as if fall sneaks away, and then one morning, you wake up, and it’s cold outside. Before you know it, your heater has on more than half the month sending your energy bill through the roof. Energy costs have continued to rise all year long, and experts suggest that consumers won’t see any relief in 2022. An unpredictable heating bill can spell chaos for your budget. For home and business owners worried about how they’d pay for another huge energy bill, we’ve found five ways you can save on your heating bill this month.
4 Ways to Cut Heating Costs This Winter
- Lower Your Thermostat: The easiest and fastest way to save money on your energy spending is by lowering your thermostat. Even lowering your thermostat by 2 degrees can lead to monthly savings. But you can really lock in savings if you turn down the thermostat by at least 7 degrees. The US Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10% per year. If you’re more comfortable in a warm and cozy house, you can leave your thermostat down while you’re away during the day or at night when you are sleeping. Sleep experts have suggested that most people sleep better when the house is cooler. If you have a smart thermostat, you can schedule it to drop the temperature when you leave for work and have it come back on to fix your lifestyle.
- Change to Renewable Energy: If you’re worried about utility spending, it’s understandable. Energy costs are rising each month but adding a solar kit to your home system could improve your ability to regulate costs. If your heating system is fully electric, you could eliminate your energy bill altogether. Much of the fluctuation in energy costs have been in natural gas, so changing a gas system to an electrical heating system could provide tremendous yearly savings. If you opt for solar panels, you may be able to save even more money by taking advantage of lucrative tax credit incentives.
- Upgrade your Current Heating Equipment: If you have an old furnace, it could be contributing to your increased energy costs. The US Department of Energy gives heating systems efficiency ratings, and newer systems have ratings between 90% and 98%. Many older models have efficiency rates in the high 60s, with some even as low as 50%.
- Air Leaks: If your home is older, you may be experiencing energy loss. Windows and doors have sealing to keep your treated air inside. If your home isn’t well insulated, you can also find that it’s difficult to keep your home warm and cozy. You can test your home for air leaks, and if you find there is heat loss, you can get additional insulation installed to improve the efficiency of your heating system.
Reliable Heating Services Available at Wallner Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Your central heating system makes it possible for your home to remain warm and cozy during the winter. This convenient, affordable, and cost-effective means of temperature control is still vulnerable to cost fluctuations from energy costs and home maintenance issues. If you need maintenance for your heating system or repairs for energy loss issues, the heating service specialists on our team can help you save money this winter when using your heater. Wallner Plumbing Heating and Air has expert heating and cooling professionals available to answer all your questions and schedule an appointment. Contact our office at (530) 223-5622 today!
