The winter weather means you are most likely spending more time inside. Keeping the house warm often means rising utility bills, but implementing a few smart heating strategies will get these expenses under control. Before you turn up the furnace, trying some alternative methods may help keep your utility bills a bit more manageable.

Heating Tips to Try This Winter

1. Use Blinds & Curtains Strategically

Watching the snow fall is a popular winter pastime, but leaving the curtains open allows heat to escape through the windows. Put up thick curtains this season and keep them closed at night and on cold days. Adding blinds increases the insulation. On sunny days, leave the curtains and blinds on south-facing windows open—even when the temperatures are below freezing, the sunshine will help warm your home. 

2. Don’t Heat An Empty Home

Walking into a toasty house at the end of a long day seems comfortable, but it can get expensive quickly. Investing in a programmable thermostat can help you take control of your fuel use and lower your heating bills. When you’re out during the day or in bed at night, programmable thermostats allow you to set scheduled temperature changes. Programmable thermostats have shown, when installed and programmed properly, to reduce a homes energy use, saving customers money on their utility bills. Zoned systems may also provide you the control you need by only heating rooms when they’re in use.

3. Eliminate Drafts

Drafty windows and doors are more than a nuisance—they can also increase your heating costs. Identify the air leaks in your home, especially around windows, doors, plumbing outlets, and attic ventilation, and fill or seal the voids to help prevent excessive heat loss.

4. Keep Up With Maintenance

While minimizing things that make your heating system work harder, to help you save energy and money, the equipment still needs to be maintained to keep it working properly. Check the filters once a month for debris, replace or clean them as needed, and check for any leaks or unusual noises. The heating system also needs an annual inspection and tune-up to preserve its longevity and efficiency.

When you need help with your heating system, consult the professionals from Always On Call Mountain Mechanical, Anchorage, Alaska’s top HVAC company. This team provides the high-quality inspections, repairs, and installation services to keep customers’ homes comfortable all season long. They even offer 24-hour emergency care. Visit them online to learn more about what they do, and call (907) 344-0700 to schedule an appointment.