Winter heating costs are rising each year, but you can keep your heating bills to a minimum if you schedule routine furnace maintenance and follow other important tips for increasing furnace efficiency. Read on to learn about the top ways to reduce your winter heating costs.
Turn Down Your Thermostat
According to the California Energy Commission, turning down the thermostat one degree when it is in the 60- to 70-degree range will save you up to 5 percent on your heating costs. Instead of wearing just a t-shirt inside, set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower and wear warm clothing. At night or when you are not at home, set the thermostat to 55 degrees to save up to 20 percent on your heating bill.
Replace and Clean the Furnace Filter
A dirty filter restricts airflow, which increases the energy required to run the furnace. The furnace filter should be replaced every month during heating season, or cleaned every week if you have a long-lasting filter. Schedule furnace maintenance to ensure that your furnace is properly cleaned and lubricated to save up to 5 percent on your heating bill.
Reduce the Hot Water Temperature
If your dishwasher permits it, set your water heater to the normal setting, which is usually 120°F. For homeowners who previously had a higher setting, switching to the normal setting can save between 7 and 11 percent on your water heating costs.
Seal the Doors, Windows, and Ducts
Use caulking and weatherstripping to seal the leaks around the doors and windows. Use sealing products to seal pipes, vents, and the area around electrical outlets. Closing these gaps is inexpensive, but will result in a warmer house that is less expensive to heat.
Contact Wilson Brothers for quality furnace repair in the Concord, MA area. Founded in 1987, we offer repair and installation services for heating and cooling systems. Call us at (888) 865-4162 or visit our website for more information about our furnace repair and maintenance services.
