Save Money this Winter: Energy Saving Heating Tips

Winter has finally arrived in East Texas, which for many of us means dusting off our heaters and turning up the thermostat. While winter technically doesn’t begin until December 21st, chillier temps are here and they’ll be here for a while. If you’re looking to save on energy costs this winter, or need ideas to keep you and your family warm, read our top heating tips for winter below.

 

Lowering Your Heating Bill

The biggest way to reduce your heating costs is to turn your set temperature back 10-15 degrees for eight hours per day. This can save you up to 10% in your energy costs. So if you don’t have pets or people staying in your home while you’re at work, lower the temperature while you’re away, or lower it while you sleep to save big.

While lowering your set temperature is the simplest way to reduce heating costs, it isn’t always the most practical solution, especially during the holidays. A programmable thermostat, like the ComfortLink™ II XL850 from Trane, can save you a significant amount of money as well. Smart thermostats give you full, direct control over your home’s climate, and can provide insights into your energy use throughout the day, so you can make adjustments when needed to save money.

If you’re spending more time at home this winter, and are looking for other ways to keep your heating costs low, take a look at these alternative ways to keep your home warmer, longer, with no additional energy use.

 

Adjust Your Ceiling Fan

Your ceiling fan has a switch that can toggle between two settings. By switching your fan to spin in ‘reverse,’ its blades will spin in the opposite direction, pulling warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down to where you can feel it. Remember, your fans should run clockwise in the winter and counterclockwise in the summer. If your fan is already running clockwise and you still feel chilly, try turning the speed setting to low.

 

Let in Light

Open your blinds and/or curtains on your sun-facing windows during the day, and the sun will help you heat your home for free. Once it sets, close them again to reduce heat loss.

 

Decorate for the Cold

The start of the chilly season is a great time to decorate for the holidays and colder weather. And it’s a great excuse to bring out the cozy blankets and pillows to make your home look and feel warmer. Rugs and insulated curtains can also help keep heat in your home and help you reduce your energy costs.

 

Schedule Annual Maintenance Now

Spikes in heating costs can be a sign that your heater is malfunctioning. If something is broken, it can cause your system to work harder to maintain a comfortable climate, leading to increased energy costs. Regular maintenance catches small issues before they become big ones, saving you money and keeping you comfortable for longer.

Annual maintenance is the most cost-effective way to maintain low energy bills. You should schedule it before the height of the season, but doing so before you turn your heater on for the first time is even better.

 

Upgrade Your Old Heater

If your heater is ten years old or older and is having problems, it’s likely that upgrading to a new one will save you both time and money.

Today’s heaters, like the XC95m Gas Furnace by Trane, are equipped with modes to save on energy and run more quietly. While an upgrade to a new unit is an investment upfront, you’ll get that money back by spending less on your monthly bill and not funneling money into repairing an old and broken system.

 

Heating and Cooling Experts in East Texas – Air Solutions of Beaumont

At Air Solutions, we can help you with any of your heating needs. Whether you need an inspection, regular maintenance, or a brand new unit, our experienced technicians are here for you.

For more information about our heating system selection, or to schedule an appointment for repair or maintenance, contact us today at (409) 962-2476, or visit us at airsolutionstx.com/contact.