Fall is now in full swing, which means that pretty soon Americans across the country are going to be turning up the heat — and opening their wallets. In just a five year period, Americans spent an average of over $700 a year on heating with natural gas. Rather than accepting that and paying through the nose for your heating bill each month, here are a few measures to take now, before the snow flies.
1. Install a Programmable Thermostat.
If your home doesn’t already have one, you should consider getting a programmable thermostat. Thermostats that are programmable reduce energy use because they automatically adjust when the heating unit runs, turning it off when the right temperature has been reached. This means you’ll be able to set it for different temperatures at different times of the day. For example, you might set it to a higher temperature during the night when temperatures drop, and for a lower setting during the day when no one is home.
2. Cover the Windows.
A lot of heat can escape through cracks and spaces in windows, so covering them is a smart option for saving on your energy bill. Try covering them with winterizing plastic to keep the air from escaping and then covering them with thick and heavy curtains on the inside to create another barrier.
3. Invest in Heating and Air Repair and Cleaning.
Dirty filters can make an HVAC system inefficient due to blocked air flow. This is because a clogged or dirty air filter can allow air to carry dirt into the evaporator coil, which decreases the coil’s ability to absorb heat. This is why HVAC duct repair and cleaning is so important for winterizing. Heating and air conditioning companies (or HVAC repair services) are going to be able to get in there and clean your filters and ducts, and make sure things are in good working order.
Remember, do all of these things as soon as you can to avoid paying a penny more than you have to. Cover up the windows in your home and install a programmable thermostat. If your ducts and filters are dirty, hire a heating and air conditioning company to have a look and make any necessary repairs. Get more info here. More information like this.
