6 Ways to Cut Heating Costs this Winter

Heating your household can account for a significant portion of your utility bills during the colder months. Like many families, you may be looking for ways to reduce spending this winter. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your home’s heating system – which will allow you to lower the cost of heating your home. 

By reducing the amount of fuel your household uses to maintain a comfortable warm temperature, you can save money without needing to shiver in the brisk cool air or by “simply putting on a warmer sweater.” Let’s dive into these six simple ways to maximize the warmth in your home. 

1. Reduce Heat Loss

Homes are not air-tight, which allows for warm air to escape through small crevices or small openings. Cold air can also get inside in some cases. Common areas of heat loss include: windows, fireplaces, walls, doors, the roof, and even power outlets. 

Take steps to mitigate heat loss through these places in your home. If you have an older home you may want to consider re-doing the insulation within walls and the attic which will help the temperature of your home for years. Make sure windows and doors are sealed tight when shut; you may need to caulk around certain borders to ensure that air does not pass through. 

2. When the Sun Shines

Speaking of windows, a little attention here can go a long way. The sun may not always shine bright in the colder months, but when it does make sure to pull back the blinds and let the sun naturally warm your home as much as possible. 

Similarly, when the sun is behind gray clouds or set for the night, cover your windows with shades, blinds or curtains. This provides another layer of insulation for your windows which makes it less likely for warm air to escape. 

3. Benefit from Cooking and Baking 

During fall and winter you may enjoy hot meals such as soup, stews, and roasts. You may also be more inclined to bake muffins, cookies, or other delicious baked goods. Not only will this help you not spend money on eating out, cooking on the stovetop or using the oven for baking will help to warm up your household. 

When you’re done using the oven be sure to leave it cracked open to let the warm air fill your kitchen. Just be sure children or pets won’t be going near the open, hot oven door. 

4. Ceiling Fans

Do you use ceiling fans in the cooler months? If not, you might be missing out. Reverse the fan direction to turn clockwise so that the blades pull air upwards. Warm air that is trapped near the ceiling will travel down the walls and around the room. To check if the blades of the fan are pulling air up, stand beneath it and you should not feel air blowing down on you. 

5. Use a Programmable Thermostat

With a programmable thermostat you can easily set the temperature to be lower when you’re away at work or sleeping. You won’t forget to turn the heat down before your morning commute and miss out on the energy cost savings – the thermostat will do as its programmed. Heating and air conditioning experts can install a programmable thermostat in your home. 

6. Regular Maintenance of the Heating System

Improving the efficiency of your heating system will allow you to save money on heating your home. Be sure to have your furnace serviced at least once a year so that professional HVAC technicians can identify any causes for concern or areas that could be improved. Regular maintenance will help keep the heating system running smoothly and efficiently. 

Additionally, HVAC professionals can help you to make sure your air ducts are sealed. Ask us what can be done to improve efficiency and maximize the work that your furnace does – you might be surprised! 

Call an HVAC Professional Today

You may be using more energy than you need to heat your home. Make sure your furnace is working to the best of its ability and maximize its usage by calling Maki Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule a maintenance check for your heater. We are experts in serving the Greater Sacramento Area and surrounding foothills. Our dedicated team is dedicated to helping our community to have affordable, reliable HVAC services year-round!