Are you dreading the coming cold winter? The temperatures that are comfortable now will soon be replaced with a crisp chill in the air and frequent snowfalls. Instead of simply opening your windows for some fresh air, you will have to constantly run your heating unit. Heating services can be expensive and you need heat to keep your home comfortable and safe. If you are worried about the high costs of heating your home this winter, consider these cost saving tips.
Program your thermostat
Programming your thermostat can ensure that you have heat when needed, but that you also do not waste it when you do not need it. There are certain times during the day, such as when you are away from the house or when you are sleeping, that the heat does not need to be as high. Reducing your thermostat even a couple of degrees can save you a significant amount on your monthly heating costs. When you set the thermostat to automatically adjust, you are getting optimal savings.
Get a full heat inspection
The more that your heating unit is required to work, the higher that your utility bills are going to be. When your heating source requires furnace repairs, you are likely to notice an increase in your monthly heating bills. Other problems can also cause a spike in the bills, including poor insulation, blocked heat vents, and an outdated furnace. Heat units today are designed with the highest efficiency possible. The lowest efficiency allowed by law for new gas furnaces is 78%, and some new models achieve 97%, which is near total efficiency. If you are noticing constant increases in heating costs, it might be time for a full heat inspection or even a replacement.
Install a new tankless water heater
Your heat bill could also be increasing from heating your water. If you use a lot of water or have also noticed an increase in your water bill, you might want to consider getting a new water heater. Tankless water heaters work different than the traditional heaters and they also tend to be more efficient. Heating water accounts for up to 30% of the average home?s energy budget. It can be helpful to at least, learn more about the advantages of tankless water heaters. You can schedule a consultation or work with your favorite heating contractors.
Inspect and replace your air conditioning unit
You are probably not even thinking about your air conditioning unit right now. You have probably already turned it off for the season and do not plan on touching it again, until the spring months. However, inspecting and repairing your air conditioning unit now can be a good idea. You won?t have to pay two service fees if you are also scheduling a furnace inspection. Additionally, you might get a good discount on purchasing an entirely new HVAC unit. Finally, use the money that you save by increasing the efficiency of your air conditioning unit and apply it to your winter heating costs. Switching to high efficiency air conditioners and taking other actions to keep your home cool could reduce energy use for air conditioning by 20% to 50%.
Winter is on its way. Many homeowners have already turned on their heat units and others will do so in the next couple of weeks. Before you dread the first heat bill of the season, ensure that your heating unit is properly inspections and that all repairs are made. You might even consider replacing your heating unit during this time. Combining all of the construction services and repairs can save you money and any extra money can be used to effectively heat your house this coming winter.