How Can I Lower My Electric Bill During the Winter?
It won’t be long before winter gets here. With it will come the cold weather and the need to run your furnace more often. While this is a great way to keep you home warm and comfortable, it can also have an impact on your heating bill. If you’re like most people, then finding ways to keep your heating bill reasonable during the winter is imperative. Below are some ways to accomplish that goal.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
One of the best ways to keep your electric bill low during the winter is to have a programmable thermostat. When you aren’t home, the house doesn’t have to be as warm. Thus, you can program your HVAC system to run less during the day. You can increase the temperature right before you get home, and then reduce it again when everyone is in bed and snuggled under their covers.
Have Your HVAC System Serviced
If you can’t remember the last time your system was looked at by an HVAC professional, it’s probably time to call one in. This will ensure that your system is running the way it should and there aren’t any major problems. If there are, which could lead to an increased electric bill, they’ll be able to fix them for you.
Change the Filter
In addition to having an HVAC professional look at your system, you’ll also want to make sure that you are changing the filter on a regular basis. This is especially important in the winter when your house is closed up and dust and other debris get recirculated throughout. A clogged filter will make your system less effective, which means it may have to run more often, and this increases your bill.
Don’t Heat Unused or Uninsulated Rooms
If you have rooms in your house that you don’t use, such as guest rooms or places in the basement, then don’t bother heating them. This is just a waste of heat and will have an impact on your bill. The same is true for rooms that don’t have insulation, such as the garage. Without insulation, heat can escape incredibly easily, so your system will have to run more to keep the space warm.
Check the Seals on Windows and Doors
Speaking of warm air escaping, if the seals on your windows and doors is old or improperly installed, this could allow hot air to get out of your home. When this happens, your furnace will have to run more often to keep the space warm. To reduce your heating bill, fix these seals so that the warm air can’t escape.
If you need some help with your heating system, then fill out our form or contact us for some answers.
