Introduction
When it’s winter and snows everywhere, as a homeowner or business owner, you know the heating bills will soar. During winter, many people stay indoors and use up more energy to stay warm. So, you end up spending way more on heating bills. We want to help you save on your heating this winter.
Also, the cost of energy is increasing as demand for heat during winter increases. It is the simple law of demand and supply at work.
The US Department of Energy has asked Americans to expect spending more on heating this winter owing to inflation. The predicted bill would be 54% higher than the previous winter. Households will probably incur an average heating bill of $1,268 this winter.
You can still keep your home and business place warm without going broke.
How do you keep your heating bills to the minimum? How do you save money on heating this winter? Continue reading to find out.
In this article, we’ll consider some hacks that will lower your heating bills and make you spend less.
10 Effective but Simple Ways to Spend Less on Heating this Winter
1. Keep your thermostat low
You can lower your energy bills by reducing the temperature at home or at the workplace. Keep the thermostat at some degrees cooler and save up on heating bills.
The best time to do this would be when you are away. It shouldn’t be running when you have no need for it. You can also lower the thermostat when you are sleeping.
Doing this would save you up to 10% of your heating bill. Using a thermostat that you can program makes it easier to automate the temperature regulation according to time of day.
2. Dress to stay warm
Stick to clothes that keep you warm. Sweaters and thick socks will keep you warm. You can also snuggle under thick blankets to stay warm. Wear a hat or head warmer. It helps a lot.
Dressing to stay warm won’t increase your heating bill. Rather, it will help you save money on heating this winter. The overall aim is not to keep the house warm. Rather, it is to keep you warm while at home.
3. Close unused doors and vents
If you live in a big house with lots of unused rooms, it is unnecessary to heat the room that you do not use or use rarely. Shut the doors to these unused rooms. It will lower your heating bills. However, do not allow it to get too cold so that the plumbing in them does not freeze.
Close unused vents in the building. If you leave the vents open, warm air will go through them and find its way out of the building. In the same vein, cold air will find its way into the building.
4. Insulation helps
Using insulated curtains is an inexpensive way to stay warm during winter. You could also insulate your attic and the walls. Your plumbing can also waste energy and make you lose heat. Getting a full plumbing inspection can help you save on heating costs this winter.
Insulate those pipes that transmit hot water around the building. It will fix leaks in your heating system. Insulating it will also prevent freezing in the pipes and save you from plumbing issues.
Work with plumbing and heating professionals to insulate your home or premises ahead of the winter. Doing this will help you stick with your heating budget for the winter. It will also help you determine the existing insulation and beef it up where necessary
5. Use your ceiling fan in reverse
Turn your ceiling fan to rotate in reverse. Also, set it to its lowest. When you set it in reverse, it pulls in hot air from the top of the room and from the ceiling. It redirects the hot air into the room. The effect is that the room becomes warmer because of the hot air in it.
Set the fan lower to keep the air circulating. It will do so without making the room cooler.
6. Get space heaters
You don’t have to heat the entire building when you are only in one room at a time. With space heaters, you can only heat the room you are in. When shopping for a space heater, look for one that is energy-saving.
It should also be able to turn itself off automatically. It should also have a sensor that turns it off when it tips off. However, do not leave it on without human supervision.
7. Use LED lights
During winter, you will turn on your lights more often since the days are shorter. How about replacing your bulbs? Change your incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs. LED bulbs are energy-savers and would also last longer. Oftentimes, your local electric company will give you rebates or savings by switching to more energy-efficient items like LED bulbs as well.
8. Use sunlight
There will be fewer sunny days during the winter. Whenever the sun shows up, throw the curtains open and let it find its way into your home or facility. The sun’s heat will make the room warm.
The warmth of the sun would warm your home, especially on the southern side of your building. That way, you would reduce the usage of your heater. When night comes, close the curtains to keep the heat in the room.
9. Avoid blocking the vent
Ensure that nothing is blocking your vents. When you use furniture, drapes, and others to block the vent, it makes it more difficult for the furnace to work.
When an object blocks the vent, it increases the air pressure in the ductwork and causes cracks and leaks. However, when the vent is clear, air will circulate freely and the vent will work as it should.
10. Have an energy audit
Assessing your space will point out areas where you are wasting energy. An energy audit will help you identify leaks in your heating system.
It is through these leaks that cold air seeps in and makes you lose heat. Some areas to look out for are plumbing, doors, and windows.
Although you can do a DIY assessment, it is best to work with trusted professionals. Schedule an appointment with us for your home and buildings. We will review your plumbing and piping for heat loss areas.
We will also recommend how to improve the energy efficiency of your home based on the audit report. If there is a need to service the boiler heating systems in your house, we will fix the issue before it degenerates into a bigger problem. Let’s help you save money on heating this winter.
