Frigid winter weather always means higher energy bills; however, there’s no reason for your residential heating costs to skyrocket. Here, review tips for keeping monthly utility costs reasonable to maintain a comfortable, energy-efficient home no matter how much the temperature drops. An energy management plan also extends the life of your HVAC system because it won’t have to work as hard.

How Can I Lower My Energy Bills This Winter?

1. Seal Air Leaks & Your Fireplace

Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal drafts around windows and doors, as well as any cracks in your foundation to keep warm air in. Also, use door draft stoppers and replace old, single-pane windows with double and triple-pane options; these create effective barriers against outside air. Close your fireplace damper unless there’s a blaze or seal the chimney flue if you never use it to avoid serious drafts.

2. Insulate Your Attic

Install insulation in your attic to contain rising hot air and prevent your HVAC system from working overtime. Insulation also keeps hot attic air from melting snow on your roof; the liquid refreezes along the edges to form heavy, leak-promoting ice dams.

3. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Invest in a programmable thermostat that controls how much heat gets delivered to each “zone” in your home. You’ll avoid paying to heat rooms you don’t use often, such as a guest room or basement bathroom. Lower the thermostat by a few degrees before you go to bed or leave the house to help HVAC system costs.

4. Take Advantage of South-Facing Windows

Heat your home with sunlight. This not only helps your HVAC system, but it also means turning on fewer lights during the day to further lower energy costs. If you will adorn your windows with lights this holiday, use LED options to minimize December energy costs.

5.  Schedule a Tuneup

Request an inspection and tuneup from your local HVAC contractors before turning your heating system on for the winter. The experts check for any issues and provide repairs before they become major problems. They will also clean the system and lubricate the parts. When the technician changes the system’s filter, it promotes airflow--ask how often you should clean this filter to maintain an efficient system. 

 

Rely on the HVAC contractors at C & S Heating and Cooling to keep your system operational for years. The Wentzville, MO-based, family-owned company has served the Tristate area for over 30 years, providing heating and cooling installations, repairs, and replacements for home and business owners. Call (636) 327-4238 today to make an appointment or visit the contractors online for the latest special offers.