The holiday season is upon us, and so are colder outdoor temperatures. Cool weather means higher heating bills for many homeowners. The good news is, you don’t have to be a heating contractor to conserve energy and save money. Follow the five tips below to keep your home cozy and your heating bills manageable this winter.                 

How to Save Energy & Money on Heat

1. Maintain Your HVAC System

The key to keeping your heating system running efficiently is to get it checked annually. Bring in a licensed HVAC technician or heating contractor to inspect your furnace and make any necessary heating system repairs. This will help you conserve energy and lower operating costs over the long term.

2. Seal Any & All Leaks

Gaps in the exterior walls of your home, however small they may seem, can put a strain on your HVAC system, leading to higher heating bills. Seal gaps or cracks around windows and exterior doors with weather stripping or caulk. Check for and fix any gaps around chimneys, vent fans, utility pipes, and recessed lights in insulated ceilings.                  

3. Lower the Thermostat

During the cold-weather months, set the thermostat as low as is comfortable for you when you’re home and awake. When you’re away from home or going to bed for the night, turn it down another 10 degrees to reduce heating costs. Consider having a heating contractor install a programmable thermostat that can adjust the heat automatically at the times you specify.     

4. Dial Down the Water Heater Temperature

Another surefire way to reduce heating costs this winter is to turn down the temperature on your hot water heater to 120-degrees Fahrenheit. Also, many older water heater tanks aren’t insulated. By adding insulation around the tank, the water will not only heat up faster, but also stay heated longer. This adds up to even more savings on your heating bill.

5. Deal With Drafty Windows

If your windows are drafty, seal them with heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets. Attach the sheets right to the window frames from the inside of the home. Hanging heavy, energy-saving drapes is another option. Close them at night and on particularly chilly days to block out the wintry air. Open them on sunny days to take advantage of the free solar heat provided by Mother Nature.      

 

If you need HVAC services this winter or in any season, trust the highly skilled heating contractors at Butler Heating & Air in West Plains, MO, to get the job done efficiently, correctly, and affordably. For more than 20 years, they have provided heating and cooling installation and repairs, including 24/7 emergency services. They deliver excellent customer service, informing clients of all available options so they can make informed decisions about their projects. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit them online or call (417) 256-7984.