How to Get the Most of Your Heating System and Lower Your Bills

With winter around the corner, we are all dreading the inevitable increase of our utility bills due to our heaters working on our drive to keep our home warm and cozy. However, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to keep your home toasty. These three simple steps are easy, DYI ways to help keep your heating bill low. No tools or expertise required!

1.) Keep your filters current.

An old, dirty filter does not allow air to flow through the filter and makes your heating system work twice as hard. Making your heating system work twice as hard makes your bill twice as high. During high usage times, replace your filter about once a month. Dusting around the vents and baseboards will also make your filters last longer.

2.) Use a Digital Thermostat

Digital Thermostats allow you to program your heating to turn at scheduled times you are not and home. Having the thermostat not running on high all day and scheduling when to turn the temperature can cut your heating bill by 20%-70% percent, depending on the size of the home and scheduling.

3.) Check Your Vents

Make sure all of the vents around your house as unobstructed.

The vents should not be blocked by any type of furniture or curtains. This will cause the air to be evenly distributed throughout the home and help decrease your monthly heating bill.

4.) Check Your Water Heater

Turing your water heater down by about 5 degree will surprisingly make a noticeable difference on your heating bill every month. Not to worry, your morning showers will not suddenly become cooler. You will not notice the temperature change at all, your heater will simply be working on lower rate, and is therefore using much less energy. The ideal water heater temperature will be about 115 degree Fahrenheit.

5.) Close the Curtains

Keep your curtains closed when the sun goes down and during the night. The darkest parts of the room will actually attract heat, causing it to have the potential to escape through the cracks in your window area. Keep your curtains open during the day, allowing the natural sun light to help heat the room.

Follow these simply steps to keep your bill down and keep your house the ideal temperature all winter long! Being comfortable doesn't have to cost you. For more information on how an electrician, plumber or general contractor can help you with your home needs, please visit http://mikewolfeconstruction.com/general-contractor

About Elyse Peery

Elyse Peery writes for both home improvement and auto service industries. She specializes in DYI and personal repair tips for the home and automobile. Her expertise will save you money and give you insight into the industries before calling in the professionals.

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