Heading into the coldest months of the year, you may be pondering about how to save money on your heating costs. Luckily, there are steps that the average homeowner can take to make their furnaces run more efficiently, their homes better sealed, and their heating bills more manageable.
Whether you’re just looking for one or two easy adjustments or if you’re ready to pull out the big guns, you’re sure to find some usable advice below!
First and Foremost
Lower the thermostat.
This is the quickest and easiest way to save on heating costs. Grab a sweater and some extra socks if you need to, but turning the thermostat down by just a single degree (and keeping it there) will make a significant difference you’ll notice in your monthly bills. Research has shown you can save as much as 10 percent on climate control costs yearly by adjusting the temperature 7 to 10 degrees from its usual setting for 8 hours per day.
Use an electric blanket.
No problem if you’re planning to turn your thermostat down during sleeping hours, just use an energy-efficient electric blanket. Here’s the smart tip – place it on top of your bed and let it heat for 15 minutes before bedtime. Before you get in, turn it off, climb in and let the warmth snuggle you into sandman land.
Let the sunshine in!
During the day let Mother Nature help with the heating. Raise the blinds and open the curtains on sun-facing windows. The heat is free!
The Next Step
Furnace Tune Up.
Annual furnace maintenance is crucial. Being proactive with your furnace can save you money all around. The cleaning and instrument repairs make a significant difference in your furnace efficiency, and a tune-up is the best way to catch small problems before they turn into the big, expensive kind of problems.
Seal drafts.
You can find drafts around your home with a handheld draft detector or even a lit candle — walk around slowly and wait for the breeze to disturb the flame. Where you find drafts, repair them by replacing weather stripping or using spray foam insulation.
Use a space heater.
If you know you’ll be confined to a specific area of the house for awhile, you can use a space heater for warmth instead of running the full unit. Be sure to turn the thermostat down and take all necessary safety precautions when using a space heater.
Big Changes
Upgrade your furnace.
To achieve the largest gains in home heating energy efficiency, planned furnace replacement is the best way to go. Furnaces 10 years or older are candidates for replacement. Talk to us, ABC Air & Heat, your local HVAC professional about options and how much you could save.
Attic insulation replacement.
Insulation in your attic floor is the key defense against any heat loss. Over time, just like anything else, this insulation can break down and lose thickness. To check insulation volume, stick a tape measure through the attic floor insulation. If it is less than 12 inches it should be replaced. In the end, your energy costs will be lower and you are warm and cozy.
Home Energy Audit.
A comprehensive home energy audit will help you to see how energy efficient your home truly is. Using state-of-the-art technology, an inspection is done on the house to search for any air leaks and sources of energy inefficiency. It’s an extensive test that produces a detailed report of the steps you can take to maximize your household energy efficiency.
About ABC Cleaning, Inc. of Orlando, FL
Serving Central Florida since 1992, ABC Cleaning, Inc. has been the acknowledged leader in air duct cleaning, chimney cleaning and dryer vent cleaning. We’re NADCA certified, we consistently invest in and have the most modern equipment and utilize the latest technology available with the best trained service technicians in all of Orlando. If you need help deciding whether to replace or repair faulty ducts, please contact us at ABC. We provide quality HVAC service throughout Orlando and the surrounding communities. Give us a call today at 407-477-4302. We are here to help!
