How to Save on Energy Bills this Winter

When the snow starts falling and the wind starts howling, your energy bills start increasing. You want to be comfortable, but you don’t want to pay more than necessary for home heating. Follow these tips to keep your energy bills down and your spirits up this winter.  Turn Down the Temperature  Dress for the season and lower the thermostat. Every degree you do saves you 5 percent on your heating costs. Save another 10 percent by setting the temperature back 10 to 15 degrees while you’re at work all day. Prevent this from becoming a comfort issue by installing a programmable thermostat with automatic recovery periods based on your schedule.  Weatherproof the House  To keep heated air inside, you must seal and insulate your home. Here’s how: 

• Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal leaky windows and doors. 
• Install clear plastic film on windows and sliding glass doors. 
• Seal attic floor penetrations with expanding spray foam. 
• Add more insulation to the attic. 
• Seal and insulate the ductwork. 
• Keep the fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. 

Change the Furnace Filter  A dirty air filter restricts airflow and makes your furnace work harder than necessary. Check the filter once a month and change it when it appears dirty. This task also improves indoor air quality to help you breathe easier this winter.  Use Solar Heating to Your Advantage  On sunny days, throw the curtains wide open to allow the sun to heat your home for free. Remember to close the drapes again at night to insulate the windows.  Run Space Heaters Wisely  Why heat your whole house when everyone is in the family room? Consider using space heaters in the living area during the day and moving them to the bedrooms at night. This form of zoning allows you to turn the thermostat down for energy savings without feeling uncomfortable.  Put the Ceiling Fans in Reverse  Hot air rises, but you can bring it back down to ground level by running the ceiling fan on low in reverse. This is especially effective if you have vaulted ceilings that allow heated air to rise way above your head.  Inspect Your Air Registers  To ensure heated air gets where it needs to go, check that all return and supply registers are unblocked by furniture, rugs or curtains. During your inspection, check to see if dust and cobwebs are obstructing airflow. If so, vacuum the grilles with the brush attachment.  Tune Up Your Furnace  A well-maintained car gets better gas mileage, and the same goes for your furnace. A tune-up addresses leaky air ducts, mechanical failings, intake blockages and other problems that could force your furnace to work harder than necessary. Preventative furnace maintenance every fall keeps your heating system running at maximum efficiency.  If you’re looking for more home heating tips, or you want to schedule furnace maintenance to help you save on energy bills this winter, please contact CJS Heating and Air in Columbus, OH.]]>