Though it may seem inevitable, you don’t have to suffer spikes in your energy costs during the harsh winter weather. In fact, you can drastically reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint with just a few key tips. With service to the Waynesboro, VA, area since 1955, the heating and cooling experts at Ronnie Ritchie Service can keep your energy costs down with routine maintenance and meticulous repairs.

Here, their team members offer five tips for saving energy while the weather outside is frightful:

• Set Your Thermostat: Keep your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees. According to ConsumerEnergyCenter.org, every degree you lower your thermostat in the 60–70 degree range reduces heating costs by up to 5%. Lower your thermostat even further before you leave the house or go to bed.
• Utilize The Sun’s Heat: Let sunlight naturally heat your home by opening the curtains on all south-facing windows during the day. This change can automatically lessen the stress on your heating system and decrease your energy bill. However, don’t forget to close curtains at night and on cloudy days to avoid the chill from cold windows.
• Check For Leaks & Faulty Insulation: Inspect the insulation in your attic, crawl spaces, ceilings, exterior walls, and floors. Enlist the help of a professional to install spray foam insulation if necessary. Also, check windows and doors for air leaks and apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal in household heat.
• Maintain Your Heating System: To keep your system in working order year-round, design a maintenance schedule with the team at Ronnie Ritchie Service. In addition, replace your furnace filter at least once a month. Poorly maintained heating systems must work much harder to keep your home comfortable, causing them to break prematurely and require expensive repairs.
• Use Fans Wisely: Adjust your ceiling fans so they push warm air down, and refrain from using exhaust fans unless absolutely necessary. Exhaust fans move air to the outdoors and can raise your energy costs.

Discuss these and other helpful winter energy tips with the friendly team at Ronnie Ritchie Service today. You can rely on their HVAC professionals for all of your utility needs, including heating system installations and 24-hour plumbing services. Schedule a maintenance check by calling Ronnie Ritchie Service at (540) 942-1415 or visit the website today.