How to Lower Heating Bill in Winter

We all love Christmas and snow until you realize how much it can cost to stay warm during this holiday season, but nowadays getting through the winter comfortably doesn’t have to mean paying exorbitant utility bills. If you frequently notice an increase in energy consumption during the cooler months, you may be interested in taking steps to reduce costs! Here are a few pointers for keeping your home warm this winter without breaking the bank or overtaxing your HVAC system in Greenville, SC before a home inspection. Stay tuned!

Take Care of Air Leaks

Do you feel your home is a little draughty? Maybe the heat is escaping from your home through drafts! If you suspect you’re losing heated air, inspect the weather stripping and seals around all of your windows and exterior doors, and if you happen to find one you can seal air leaks with materials like caulk or weather strippings.

On the other hand, winter air can also enter your home through electrical outlets, light fixtures, air conditioning units, and insulation gaps. Check your attic and basement, as these areas frequently conceal the worst air leaks. Replace any damaged or missing weather stripping and apply new caulk to any broken seals. For larger gaps, you may need to install or replace your current insulation system.

Insulating Trapping Heat Curtains for the Night

Take advantage of our natural resources! You don’t want all that solar heat to escape once the sun goes down. Close your curtains and blinds before the sun goes down to add insulation to your windows and prevent heat loss. But even better if you invest in insulated curtains, you will trap the most heat for a considerable time. Insulation curtains are a great investment for maximum energy efficiency at night.

Install Temporary Insulation on Windows

Overall, windows are less insulated than walls, and even properly sealed windows can allow valuable heat to escape. To avoid this, you can seal the frame of your windows with clear plastic window film to insulate them and your home for the winter. With this, you’re trapping a layer of air between your home’s interior and the window creating a buffer that slows the loss of heat. Take into account that these window films are inexpensive, easy to install, and simple to remove!

Heat Small Spaces With Space Heaters

Another useful tip! For example, if you only need to heat a small area for a short period consider using a space heater. Electric space heaters are a great way to heat a small enclosed area like your garage, tool shed, or an extra bathroom if you are having visitors. They are inefficient for heating the entire house, but they are ideal for shorter periods in closed-off spaces.

Improve the Efficiency of Your Greenville Heating and Air 

Newer HVAC systems are more efficient and less expensive to operate, which saves you money and energy. Consider purchasing a newer, high-efficiency boiler, furnace, or air conditioning unit if your heating system is mid-efficiency or more than 15 to 20 years old. Think about getting a new high-efficiency replacement if your 15 to 20-year-old AC unit is less than 13 SEER. If you are unsure of which one to get, ask our contractors to find the best model for your home!

Purchase a Programmable Thermostat 

Installing a programmable thermostat is the simplest and most effective way to save money on heating costs this winter! You can set the times and temperatures you want. A smart thermostat provides you with even more opportunities to save money. If you went on vacation and forgot to turn down the thermostat, you can remotely connect to a programmable thermostat and set it to “vacation mode” or turn it off! A traditional thermostat will continue to operate at the set temperature, thus you are spending money to heat your home while no one is present!

Trust the Best HVAC Contractors in Greenville, SC!

Do you think these tips are only useful during winter? Think twice! As many of these winter energy-saving tips will also aid you to save money in the summer. It’s all about keeping outside air out, inside air in, and wasting as little energy as possible. Insulated curtains, air sealing, LED lighting, and smart thermostats should all be part of your year-round energy efficiency and savings strategy. So use your energy wisely and you’ll save money all year.

Is your electric bill still exorbitantly high? It could be your energy strategy or lack thereof. In Greenville Heating and Air, we help you with a month-to-month energy plan. We are excited to help you out, to give us a call!