Home heating in winter can be expensive for homeowners. The average furnace uses massive quantities of energy to heat your home, driving up your bills. Thankfully, there are several electrician-approved steps you can take to minimize costs.

How to Lower Your Heating Bill

Turn Down the Thermostat

Current energy standards recommend setting your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees during the day. Turn them down even further at night.  You can make up for the cooler air by bundling up with sweaters or blankets. 

Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

If your furnace is more than about 10 years old or it breaks down frequently, it may be time for a replacement. Look for a new furnace or heat pump with the EnergyStar® certification, which indicates that it has passed tests for energy efficiency. The same applies to water heaters, which also work harder in winter. Having your electrician replace a less efficient appliance with an EnergyStar model can pay for itself in lowered energy costs. EnergyStar even offers energy savings calculators for each of their products online so you can see exactly how much you’ve saved. 

Improve Your Insulation

Improve the efficiency of your furnace by limiting how much air and heat is escaping into the outdoors. The better your insulation, the warmer your home will stay over time. Add insulation to your walls and your attic, replace your windows with double-paned models that trap heat, and seal up cracks and gaps around windows and doors to minimize heat loss.

Use the Sun

Have a qualified electrician install solar panels on your property to save money by supplying your own electricity. Even if solar panels aren’t feasible, you can still take advantage of natural light. Open the curtains on your south-facing windows to let the sunlight in and warm up the house.

For more help lowering your electrical bills, talk to Zelek Electric Co. in Old Lyme, CT. Serving New London County for over four decades, this family-owned electrician offers electrical installation and repairs, solar panels, and generators to help you improve your home and become energy-efficient. Their focus on customer satisfaction has earned them an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. To start on your project call (860) 434-9726. View a full list of their services online.