6 Tips to save on heating costs this winter

Did you know the winter months can impact your energy usage just as much as the summer months? You can take advantage of these 6 easy ways to help you reduce your energy use and potentially lower your heating bill this winter.

According to a report published by the Department of Energy in 2019, you can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. These savings can be had by lowering your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day. To accomplish this, you can adjust your thermostat before you leave for work in the morning or for an easier way to accomplish this, you can buy a programmable or smart thermostat. A programmable or smart thermostat can be set to turn off during certain times of the day or actively monitor when you are not home and automatically adjust the temperature for you.

Did you know that 25% to 30% of you energy usage could be lost through windows and doors? It is important to check all doors and windows for leaks and gaps that could be letting heat out into the neighborhood. An easy solution to this is buying inexpensive caulk and weather sealant to be placed around your windows and doors. This will help keep warm air inside during the winter and cold air inside during the summer.

In addition to making sure your windows are sealing properly, you can also decrease your energy usage by installing blinds and other coverings on your windows. One great idea is installing insulated cellular shades. This type of window covering has a honeycomb design that creates air pockets to increase the insulation around your windows. By increasing the insulation around your windows you’ll help to regulate the air temperature in the room. This will reduce the energy needed to heat and cool your home.

Your ceiling fans could be blowing in the wrong direction! A quick fix to help with a colder room is to make sure your ceiling fan is rotating in the correct direction for winter. Check your fan for a switch to reverse the direction and push warm air down and to circulate the air throughout the room.

Can you remember the last time you changed out your home’s air filters? If the answer is no, there’s a good chance it’s time to replace your HVAC filters. A dirty air filter can make your heating and cooling units work harder, use more energy, and fill your home with dirty air. Clean air filters will give your HVAC and lungs a breath of fresh air.

A humidifier can be used to increase the moisture level of a room. This will help the air to heat up more quickly and retain the heat longer. As an added health benefit, using a humidifier can also help combat common airborne illnesses commonly seen during the winter months.

These tips will help you get on the path to reducing your monthly heating bill. If you are looking for more options, you could always consider comparing your current energy rate to a new plan from Vista Energy. Click here to see if a plan from us can help you reduce your energy costs.