Ways To Save On Your Heating Bills

by 24hMarketInfo on Dec.12, 2008, under Personal Finance

For many, the winter heating bill is one of the biggest cost you incur or for the course of the year. Especially in these economic times, trying to figure out what to do can be pretty stressful.

This increase on winter heating bills is quite normal, but it doesn’t hurt too if we hope for the best roll back on our billing statements. There are numerous ways on how to slash your electric bill for the season, here are some tips on how to save money on your winter heating bill graciously provided by an HVAC company.

The first thing you want to make sure you do is properly set your thermostat. Set the thermostat at a temperature that is as low as possible but still comfortable. The difference in five or ten degrees can make significant cost changes in your bill. By doing a change like this it is estimated that you can save somewhere between three and 8% per degree change.

When the winter season is coming, invest in having your system inspected and tested by a professional. Quite often, little things like clogged air docs and thermostat adjustments can be made to help you keep the cost down dramatically.

Keep Your Air Filter Clean. Aside from annual checks on your heating system, you must also frequently look out on your furnace’s air filter. Filters trap dirt, which causes allergies. There are various types of air filters available for your heating system from hypo-allergenic filters to hybrid filters.

Close Your Doors and Windows. This may sound like common sense, but for all the doors that are open including the doors two bedrooms you are letting heat escape. Keep the windows and doors closed and keep the power of the heat contained.

Furnace’s Vents And Grilles Should Be Unobstructed. Arranging your furniture and drapings can reduce heating load on your furnace, and make sure that there are no obstruction at all output vents and intake grilles of your heating system specially textiles or fabrics that can easily be ignited by too much heat. All of these obstructions cause even efficient heat circulation. Poor circulation adds up to an additional cost.

Avoid excessive usage of exhaust fans. Kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans are used for limited reasons and limited time, but not to exhaust the heat emitted by your furnace. Leaving exhaust fans turned on not only consumes your electrical load but it makes the furnace’s heat doesn’t do its job.

Prepare for the weather. Knowing what to expect in the winter season is significant. Just before winter hits: prepare! Invest in proper insulation and “weatherization” products. Caulk or seal all seams, cracks or openings you see in your house. You can increase the comfort in your home without shedding too much on your budget.

Fireplaces. Traditional, open chimneys allow cold airs to come inside your house. You can add a feature on your fireplace by replacing a closing mechanism which you can operate when the fire is burned out. But do remember that fireplaces can help you warm down momentarily as compared to a heating system built and centralized in your home.

Take these minor changes to the heart and implement them. By making these simple adjustments to your home and habits, you can save between 10 and 15% in your energy bill. The question you should be asking yourself is how you’re going to spend the savings!