Great news! Most Americans can easily lower their heating bill without having to finally give in to wearing that Snuggie and thermal socks while sitting on the couch. It’s easy to waste heat without realizing it, and sometimes the best approaches to energy savings are right under your nose.
Save more cash for that upcoming spring break by following these energy conservation tips. They’re not just good for your wallet, they’re also good for the planet. Now that’s a win-win situation worth celebrating!
1. Have your heating source inspected
Whether you have a furnace, boiler or other type of HVAC system, having it inspected every spring and fall is the best way to ensure a long life — with 100 percent functionality. A dirty filter, wayward wire or other minor issue can drastically affect your heat source. The better maintained your HVAC system is, the more optimal heat you’ll be enjoying.
2. Insulate your home
The older the home, the more it’s lacking in the insulation department. There are a number of ways to remedy this, from adding a film to your windows to ensuring your exterior doors fit flush around the whole border. The attic is a common region where heat escapes, and many insulation strategies are easy weekend DIY projects. If you’re not insulating, you’re basically trying to heat your back yard.
3. Only heat rooms you’re using
Do you have a guest room, office or rec room threat’s not used on a regular basis? If so, you shouldn’t be heating it. Close these doors, turn the temperature down if you can control heat room by room, and if there’s a space at the foot of those doors, then at least put down a towel. This is one of the most common ways people waste heat.
4. Wear more clothes
If you notice everyone in the house is flouncing around in shorts and tank tops even in the winter, there’s a problem. You shouldn’t have to bundle up head to toe while you’re inside, but there’s nothing wrong with long pants and socks. Strike a balance to achieve comfort.
5. Select a moderate temperature
Some people in the home may run hot while others run cold. However, an agreed-upon temperature can help everyone stay on track. Adjust your clothing (and throw blanket situation) according to who prefers what.
Most importantly, if you notice a staggering heating bill even though you’re doing everything right, call a professional. There may be a leak, which is both a money suck and dangerous. Once you have your system running at peak performance, you will likely be rewarded with a lower heating bill.