Winter is officially here in the Fraser Valley, and with winter comes the inevitable rise in your heating bill. As the cold months come, we tend to turn our thermostats up to keep warm and comfortable, but this can unfortunately lead to a noticeable spike in our energy costs. Fortunately, we have several practical ways to help reduce your heating expenses without compromising your comfort this winter.
Seal Drafts and Insulate Properly
The simplest and most effective way to cut down heating costs in your home is to find and address drafts. Cold air sneaks in through gaps in windows, doors, and walls, both letting in cold air and allowing the heat to escape. This makes your heater work even harder to heat your home, thus resulting in a more expensive heating bill. Begin by checking for drafts around your windows and doors. Use weather stripping or caulking to seal any gaps. If possible, install draft stoppers at the base of doors.
Additionally, insulating your home helps retain heat. Add insulation to your attic, walls, and floors if necessary. Insulation reduces heat loss and keeps your home warmer, allowing your heater to work more efficiently.
Adjust Your Thermostat
A small adjustment to your thermostat can lead to big savings. Lower the thermostat by a few degrees while you’re awake and at home. When you’re sleeping or away, set the temperature even lower. A programmable thermostat can make this easier by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule.
In general, for every degree you lower the thermostat during the winter, you can save about 1% on your heating bill.
Use Space Heaters Wisely
Instead of heating your entire home, consider using space heaters to warm the rooms you use most. This allows you to maintain a lower overall temperature and direct heat where it’s needed most. Be sure to use space heaters safely by following manufacturer instructions and never leaving them unattended.
Maintain Your Heating System
Regular maintenance of your heating system can significantly improve its efficiency. Have a professional inspect and clean your furnace or heat pump before the cold weather sets in. Replace air filters regularly—dirty filters restrict airflow and force the system to work harder, which can raise your energy bill.
If your heating system is old, it may be worth considering an upgrade. Modern, energy-efficient models can lower your heating costs in the long run.
Maximize Sunlight
Take advantage of the sun’s warmth during the day. Open your curtains or blinds to let natural sunlight in, particularly on sunny days. Sunlight helps heat your home naturally, reducing the need for additional heating. As the sun sets, close the curtains to help insulate your windows and prevent heat from escaping.
Wear Warm Clothing and Layer Up
Instead of relying solely on your heater, try bundling up in warm clothing. Layering your clothes helps trap body heat and keeps you comfortable without turning up the thermostat. Wearing socks, hats, and thick sweaters can make a noticeable difference in how warm you feel.
Cook and Use Appliances Wisely
Use your oven, stove, or even your clothes dryer to your advantage. Cooking meals generates heat, and leaving the oven door open after cooking can warm up your kitchen. Similarly, using a clothes dryer instead of air drying clothes adds heat to your home. Just be sure not to overuse appliances, as that can lead to higher energy bills in other areas.
Conclusion
By incorporating these simple strategies into your home, like sealing drafts, adjusting the thermostat, and maintaining your heating system, you will find that your heating bills this winter won’t spike as much as you thought they would. If you have any more questions on how to save money on your heating bill this winter or need someone to come and assess your heating system, contact us at TYS Plumbing & Heating!
