During the winter, it’s not uncommon for Connecticut residents to experience below-freezing temperatures. And, while cranking up the furnace can offer relief from the cold, many homeowners may be reluctant to turn on the heat in an attempt to save on energy costs. Fortunately, there are several ways you can keep your home comfortable and minimize your heating bills at the same time. To help you stay warm this winter without the fear of high energy bills, here is a helpful guide.

5 Tips to Keep Heating Costs Down This Winter

1. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Turning your thermostat back seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can help you save about 10% on energy costs. With a programmable thermostat, you can set temperatures to lower automatically throughout the day to meet these needs — such as when you’re cozied up in bed or away at work.

2. Maintain Your Heater

When your furnace or other heating equipment isn’t properly maintained, it will have to work harder than necessary to produce the desired temperatures. This extra work will require more energy usage, and in turn, increase your utility costs. To prevent problems, have your equipment serviced by a professional before winter arrives.

3. Update Heating Equipment

In general, furnaces can work reliably for up to 20 years, while heat pumps, boilers, and HVAC systems offer a slightly shorter lifespan. If your equipment is getting older or requires frequent repairs, it may be best to replace it with a more efficient model. Ask your local HVAC specialist which products will heat your home in the most efficient, energy-saving fashion.

4. Turn Ceiling Fans On

If you reverse the direction of ceiling fans so that they spin counter-clockwise, they will improve the circulation of hot air throughout your home. When turned on, you can keep your house warmer without having to keep heating equipment running for extended periods, allowing you to save on energy costs.

5. Improve Insulation

If you follow all these tips and still experience high energy bills during the winter, it’s possible that hot air is escaping through improperly insulated doors, roofs, and windows. By updating your insulation, you can seal drafts to keep warm air inside and reduce the amount of energy your heating system will have to expend to produce desired indoor temperatures.

Whether your heater needs a routine tune-up, repair, or replacement, the trusted experts at Duncklee Cooling & Heating are equipped to make your system as efficient as possible. Serving the Stonington, CT, community for over four decades, this team knows how to keep furnaces, HVAC systems, heat pumps, and boilers in excellent shape so that your home will stay comfortably warm all winter long — without the need for expensive energy bills. To learn more about these services, visit this heating and cooling contractor online. For furnace service requests, call a friendly specialist at (860) 535-2552.