Even in Florida, winter heating costs can eat away at a large chunk of your budget. If you dread seeing those heating bills, here are a few ideas on how you can keep them as low as possible.
Patch the Leaks
Close the Damper
Be Prepared
Adjust the Thermostat
Tackle the Hot Water Heater
While the temps are still moderate, take a look at where you’re (potentially) losing heat. This can come in the form of drafty windows (jalousie windows here in Florida are big draft culprits) or doors, poor insulation, or bad ductwork. Many electric companies offer a free energy audit and they’ll identify your problem areas. Updating your insulation alone can save you 20-30% on your heating bill.
If you have a fireplace, leaving the damper open (when you don’t have a fire going) allows precious warmth to leave your home. Warm air rises, and while the birds on your roof might be happy for the warm breezes, your wallet won’t be.
Closing the flue is a great place to start, but it doesn’t seal off the gap entirely. Glass doors on your fireplace can help, as does a wood stove (it will also direct heat into your room but may be more than you need in Florida), or a fireplace insert.
Avoid costly emergency fixes by getting your heating system serviced ahead of the season. Call the professionals at Easy A/C and have them look at it. They can tell you if everything is running properly and efficiently.
Don’t be caught unaware with a heater that goes out in the middle of a cold January night. Routine maintenance is a lot less expensive than an emergency call.
Plus with 54,000 home fires every year, most of them caused by issues with heaters, getting routine service can save you more than money.
Keeping your home temps at around 70 degrees in the winter can save you quite a bit of money. If your home has an adjustable thermostat, setting it lower when you’re not home for long periods (such as during the work day) or when sleeping can save you 10-20% on your heating bills.
The Department of Energy estimates that 14-25% of heating bills are due to water heaters. Most water heaters are kept on 140 degrees. For every 10 degrees you turn it down, you can save about 3-5% on your bill.
But that’s not the only way to save with your water heater. Use low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. You can also insulate your water heater with a tank insulator sleeve and wrap your hot water pipes to prevent heat loss.
Want to save 24-34% on your bill? Invest in a tankless water heater, which will run you between $500-1,000 for an on-demand system.
Don’t waste money this year. Have your heater checked and the necessary service performed before you need to pull out the blankets. The heating and AC repair professionals at Easy A/C can help. Call them today at 813-COLDAIR.