The winter chill is setting in, and with it comes higher energy usage and higher heating bills. You can’t brave a Wisconsin winter without the heat, but you don’t have to break the bank, either. Here are five tips to help you keep your bills lower and your comfort level higher through winter.
- Close off Unused Rooms – One of the first ways you can help lower energy usage and costs is to close off unused rooms for the season. Heating a seldom-used guest room can contribute to a more significant increase in your overall bill than you might think. Close the registers and seal off places you know aren’t likely to be used through the winter. Your furnace won’t have to work as hard to heat those unused spaces, saving you money in the long run.
- Check Your Fireplace – Wintertime might conjure up images of cuddling up by a cozy fire. Still, your fireplace might actually be making it harder to heat your home. If you’re not actively using a fireplace, it can quickly become a source of heat loss. This heat loss is especially true if doors and dampers are left open. Close the flue, dampers and any doors on your fireplace when it’s not actively being used.
- Put Your Ceiling Fans to Work – A fan spinning counterclockwise cools the room when it is warm. However, one turning clockwise at a low speed, on the other hand, pushes warm air back down as heat naturally rises.
- Seal Up Drafty Windows – Drafty windows let in far more cold air than you might think. Windows can account for up to half of a home’s overall heat loss. Seal up drafty windows for the winter, and you’re in better shape to weather the season.
- Make a Few Small Adjustments – Just lowering your thermostat from 70 degrees to 68 degrees can translate to up to 5% in savings on your next heating bill. Opening drapes on south-facing windows to let in the warmth of the sun is another free and easy way to supplement your other efforts. Just be sure to close the drapes before the sun sets to hold on to more heat.
All of these things can help you lower your overall energy use and winter heating bill. Still, few things are as effective as regular furnace and heating system maintenance. Making sure your furnace is in good working order with clean filters is one of the single most important things you can do not only to save money but also to extend your entire heating system’s life.
If you’re ready to make sure your furnace is in proper working order, we’re here to help. With some of the most knowledgeable and professional technicians in the business, we can help you lower those heating bills and boost your system’s efficiency.
