We’re always looking to save money - especially when it comes to our utility bills. During the winter months, we crank up our heating systems for a quick break from the chill, but we soon find our energy bill has been cranked up right along with it. And with all the money we tend to spend during the holidays, the last thing we want to do is spend a penny we don’t have to.
To help you save a little extra money and make your home more comfortable in the winter months, here are some tips on how to winterize your home and save money in the process:
How to Winterize Your Home and Save Money
- Turn down the thermostat
- Keep your filters clean
- Keep your heating vents clear
- Check your ducts
- Reverse your ceiling fans
- Use curtains
- Take care of drafts
- Winterize your windows
- Winterize you A/C unit
- Schedule your maintenance before the cold weather starts
Many times we forget to turn down the thermostat when we leave our homes, only to see the results when we get our energy bill. The easiest way to make sure you’re regulating your thermostat temperature properly is with a programmable thermostat. These devices consistently save the average family $180 per year.
You should change your air filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on how often you use your heating and cooling system. A dirty filter will slow the airflow and force your system to work harder - and forcing you to spend more on your energy bill. It could also lead to serious damage to your system further down the road, thanks to the dust and debris collected by your filter.
Make sure there’s nothing blocking your vents. If you have floor vents, move away any rugs or furniture. If your heat isn’t circulating the way it should, your system will work harder to heat your home - and your energy bill will skyrocket.
You’ll want to make sure that your air ducts are properly insulated and free of any leaks. Any leaks that aren’t fixed will allow heat to escape instead of warming up your chilly home. And like everything else on this list, problem ductwork will overwork your HVAC system and bring you a huge bill at the end of the month.
Ceiling fans can actually help keep your house warm. By simply switching your blades to move clockwise, you can help push heat down and force it to move around your home.
During the day, open your curtain to let the sun in. In the evening, close your curtains to help insulate your home - and to keep your heating system for working overtime.
Drafts account for approximately 5% to 30% of your energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Check all your doorways and windows - if you notice any drafts coming in, cover them up. And if you really want to make sure you’ve sealed up your home, get yourself a leak detector from your local hardware store.
Energy-efficient storm windows can help keep your home insulated and bring you a lower energy bill. But if you can’t afford to have them installed, consider applying plastic film to your windows. It can help your home stay warm, and you can find it at your local hardware store.
We usually have a pretty good idea of when to expect the winter weather. So take advantage of that time: Inspect your heating and cooling system and make sure any hoses and pipes are drained properly and there is no excess water around your system. Also, if your system has a water shut-off, you can turn that off. And of course, we always recommend you hire a trained professional to inspect your system
It’s always good to be prepared. That’s why you should have your heating system regularly maintained and inspected before the severe weather hits. It could help you avoid spending hundreds of dollars down the road on major repairs or replacement. It’ll also ensure you’re warm on those frigid winter nights.
If you find that you need heating repair, Easy AC is here to help. We offer 24 hour emergency repair services and regular heating and cooling system maintenance in the Tampa Bay area. Our EZ Breezy Club is designed to ensure you’re comfortable year round. So give us a call today, 813-COLD-AIR