Heating your home is necessary for staying comfortable during the cold months of winter, but it can also result in hefty utility bills. Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to save money. In addition to contacting a heating contractor to make sure your HVAC system is running at full efficiency, follow these five simple strategies to stay warm and keep your bills low.

How to Save on Heating Bills

1. Insulate the Windows

Unprotected windows allow the cold air outside to work their way inside, forcing your heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Make sure the seals around your window are solid. Add protective weather stripping if necessary, and hang heavy curtains in front of the windows to keep the cold air outside.

2. Take Advantage of Other Heat Sources

Whenever you cook with the stove, leave the door open after you finish. This will let the heat inside warm up the kitchen and surrounding area.

You can also apply this principle after showering. If possible, leave the bathroom door open and turn off any ventilation to allow the heat from the bathroom to move into the other parts of the home.

3. Install a Smart Thermostat

Heating contractors recommend smart thermostats because they give you more control over the system. You can program the thermostat to follow a schedule that minimizes its usage by running at low intensity when you’re out of the house and switching back to its normal setting right before you return home so you feel comfortable as soon as you arrive.

4. Use Fans

Another simple way to make your home warmer is to turn on ceiling fans. Make sure they’re rotating clockwise at a slow speed. This creates a gentle updraft that pushes warm air from the ceiling back down along the walls and back to the lower levels of the room.

5. Replace Air Filters

Regularly using your HVAC system causes the air filters to become clogged with dust, dirt, and allergens. This will lower the overall indoor air quality, which can lead to a variety of health issues, but it also forces the system to work harder than it needs to. This raises your energy bills and increases the likelihood that you’ll require heating system repairs. Replacing the filters counteracts these problems and makes your heating system more efficient.

 

 

Another great way to keep heating bills low is to have the system professionally serviced by the heating contractors at Cowles Heating Service in Fairbanks, AK. For more than 25 years, this local company’s team of technicians has helped local residents keep their systems operating efficiently and their utility bills as low as possible. They also offer 24-hour emergency heating services so that your home is protected all season long. Schedule a free quote by calling (907) 488-2277 or learn more online.