Del Rio homeowners are thinking about how to save money on home heating costs. Here are steps you can take to make your heating costs more controllable:
Quick Savings on Heating Costs
Turn down the thermostat. This is the simplest and most direct way to save on heating costs. Grab a sweater if you need to, but turning the thermostat down by just a single degree (and leaving it there) will make a noticeable difference on your utility bill.
Use an electric blanket. If you’re planning to turn your thermostat down during sleeping hours, use an energy-efficient electric blanket. Place the blanket on top of your bed and leave it on for 15 minutes before you get in. Then turn it off and climb inside. The warmth will last while you fall asleep and will save you from running up your heating costs while you’re sleeping.
Use the sun. Never turn down free heat! During the day, keep blinds and curtains open, especially for sun-facing windows. This will allow you to save on heating costs by turning down the thermostat during the day.
Simple Savings on Heating Costs
Tune-up your furnace. You should do this annually. The cleaning and instrument adjustments can make a big difference in your furnace’s efficiency and your heating costs. A tune-up is the best way to catch small problems before they turn into big, expensive ones.
Seal your drafts. You can find drafts around your home with a handheld draft detector or even a lit candle — just walk around slowly and wait for the breeze to disturb the flame. When you find drafts, repair them by replacing weather stripping or using spray foam insulation.
Use a space heater. If you’ll be in one area of the home for a while, you can reduce your heating costs by keeping your immediate area warm with a space heater and turning the thermostat down for the rest of the house.
Big Savings on Heating Costs
Replace your attic insulation. The insulation in your attic floor is one of your best defenses against heat loss. Over time, this insulation can break down and lose volume. Stick a tape measure through the insulation to the attic floor – if you have fewer than 12 inches, it’s time to add more.
Upgrade your furnace. If your furnace is 10 years old or older, replacing it is the best way to reduce your home heating costs. A new furnace can be much more efficient than older models. Talk to your local Del Rio Air Conditioning and Electricians professional about your options and how much you could save.
If you find yourself constantly worrying about your home heating costs, your central heating system could be ineffective. Give us a call at Del Rio so we can evaluate your home heating system!
Del Rio Air Conditioning and Electricians, offers air conditioning repair, heating repair, heat pump service, air handler service, thermostat service, indoor air quality service and duct cleaning service 24 hours a day and seven days a week. We have served the people of Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Comstock and Brackettville for more than 30 years. Call us today at (830) 469-3221 to schedule an appointment!