11 Ways to Squeeze a Little Extra Cash out of your Heating System this Winter

The holidays are over, and you’re settling in for the, hopefully not, long winter.  Your pond and irrigation system are winterized, but after the expense of the holiday season, you may not be looking forward to the upcoming heating bills as the thermometer drops. Take a moment to read our previous post about all the simple ways you can save money on heating your home in the cold months.

Here are an additional 11 ways to squeeze a little extra cash out of your heating system this winter: 

1. Layer Up! Put on a sweater and lower the thermostat! Our parents knew this was a great way to save money, and it still applies today. Even a 4-degree reduction in your thermostat will save you some dollars this winter. According to energy.gov, a 10-degree (brrr!) reduction can save you as much as 10% on your heating bills.
2. Maintain the system: Take good care of your HVAC system, and it will take care of you. Be sure it’s tuned up and ready to purr through the chill. Remember to replace your filter too!
3. Keep your garage door closed: The garage door serves as a block to the cold air buffeting the shared interior wall. Keeping it closed will provide a buffer between your heat and the frigid winter air.
4. Take control:  There are many helpful tech gadgets available that can assist with keeping your costs low, such as a smart thermostat. Program it to lower the temperature when you are at work and asleep.
5. Let the sunshine in!  On sunny days, open the curtains to drain the heat from the sun.  Clean your south-facing windows to allow as much heat as possible into your home.  Then close the curtains as soon as the sun sets to keep the heat inside.
6. Post-Santa repairs: If Santa made a stop at your house, now is the time to check the chimney and ensure everything is in working condition.  Close the damper when it’s not in use to stop the heat from escaping here.  Check the seal on the flue damper to ensure it’s as tight as possible.  If you’re using your fireplace, install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system so the warm air can be blown into the room.  Lower the thermostat and enjoy the heat from the fireplace.
7. Wrap it up:  Adding clear plastic sheeting to your windows can reduce drafts and the loss of warm air.  They can be purchased at any hardware store and are easily applied with heat, such as from a hairdryer.
8. Vent!  Clear any obstructions away from the vents so your furnace can do its job and blow the warm are into your rooms.  Clear vents also help your HVAC system work more proficiently.
9. Throwdown a rug. Lifting rugs and putting down wood or manufactured flooring has been the preferred decorating technique for some time now.  Unfortunately, the ease of sweeping the floor has been traded in for a loss of heat.  Carpeting insulates your floors, so use throw rugs through the winter months.
10. Insulate.  From doors to attics, more insulation will help keep your heat where you want it.  Inside your home!
11. Close off the unused. If there are rooms you don’t frequent, close the air vents and doors. Avoid wasteful heating of square footage such as garages, crawlspaces, and attics if you’re not using them regularly.

If you’re looking for a reliable HVAC contractor anywhere in Columbus or central Ohio, reach out and we will share our list with you.   Just call or email us!  We hope these tips were helpful.