Tips For Keeping Your Energy Costs Low This Winter

Energy is one of the most essential resources. It is also the resource most likely to be wasted in the United States. Every year, households and businesses in the U.S. pay a total of $190 billion in electricity. Unfortunately, about 30 percent of this energy goes to waste.

Even with programs like Energy Star, Americans still pay for energy that they aren’t using or that they are using inefficiently. Not only does this cost homeowners more than it should, but it also puts a strain on the nation’s resources.

Tips For Keeping Your Lehighton HVAC Costs Low This Winter

Homeowners are constantly searching for ways to reduce their home heating costs since home heating accounts for such a large portion of their energy costs during the winter season. If you want to keep your energy costs down this winter, this article will discuss a few tips that you can follow.
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Check the Windows and Doors For Air Drafts

Before the cold weather arrives, you should check the edges of the doors and windows. Pay particular attention to the joints — any cracks or warps where the wood, vinyl or concrete meet can allow the heat to escape. Similarly, they let the cold air in. If you find warps and you are living on a tight budget, DIY insulation is a practical and cost-effective way to keep your home warmer this winter.

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Have Your Heating System Serviced To Increase Comfort

Your heating system needs to be working as effectively as possible to keep your home warm this winter. To ensure that your system is running efficiently, you should have it maintained by a licensed HVAC technician before the heating system begins.

The tech will inspect your heating system and then replace any parts that are damaged. They will also clean your heating system. This checkup will ensure that it is functioning at peak performance all winter long, helping to reduce your home heating costs.

Keep The Thermostat Down When You Can

When you are sleeping, you are under the covers where it is warm. If you turn the thermostat down 10 degrees while in bed, you won’t notice the drop in temperature. Adjusting your thermostat can save up to 10 percent on your heating bill. If the drop in temperature does bother you, try using another blanket or flannel sheets. These will keep your body heat in the covers, keeping you warm when the temperature goes down. Likewise, you can reduce your thermostat while you are out for the day at work.

Humidifier: Moist Air Carries Heat

Dry air doesn’t feel as warm as moist air because moist air retains heat. If you set up a humidifier in an enclosed room, it will make it feel warmer so that you can turn the heat down a couple of degrees.

Another way to increase the humidity in the home is to add houseplants. The plant’s roots absorb water and then releases the moisture into the air through the stems and leaves. There are a few plants that are better than others in adding moisture to the home. English ivy, peace lily, areca palm, and spider plants are all great options. These plants are also beneficial in that they are decorative and they can remove pollutants from the air.

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Set Your Ceiling Fans To A Counterclockwise Direction

Ceiling fans can increase the air flow and circulation in the home. When you set the fan blades to turn at a counterclockwise direction, it will pull the hot air down to the floor, making it feel warmer. If you have the blades set to clockwise, it can retain the heat in the home. It is best to keep your ceiling fan set to the lowest setting to prevent from creating a chill.

Layers Are Effective During The Winter

When you are inside, you should wear layers. Thick shirts, sweaters, socks, and a wrap or shawl will keep you warm without needing to keep the heat turned up. You should also consider keeping throw blankets on the couches and chairs. If you have wood floors, tile floors, or concrete floors, you should consider laying down a throw rug. Not only will a rug keep your feet warm when you walk, but it will also prevent the heat from escaping through the floorboards of your hardwood floors.

Utilize The Sun’s Natural Heating Capabilities

The sun is a great source of natural light and heat. Best of all, the heat from the sun is free. When the weather starts to get cold, you should keep your curtains open to allow the sun to shine in and warm up the house. This is especially true for the windows that face east and the south. When the sun sets, you should close the curtains to keep the heat inside at night. The right type of curtains makes great insulation.

 

Conclusion

If you are hoping to save money on your energy bills this winter, you should follow the tips listed above. Each of the tips is simple and can save you money this year.

As far as having your heating system tuned up, you should contact R.F. Ohl. Our NATE certified techs can help you with all of your HVAC needs.

We offer a variety of heating and HVAC solutions including installation, replacement, repairs, and annual maintenance. Each of our techs has the experience and the training necessary to service your system properly and can ensure that your heating system will run properly and efficiently all winter long. We take pride in offering the best prices around, and we guarantee our work. To schedule a free, in-home estimate, give R.F. Ohl a call today.

Some of the areas we service include Ashfield, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Parryville, and these zip codes: 18212, 18229, 18235, 18244 as well as all surrounding areas in Carbon County, Pennsylvania.

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