How is it Possible to Reduce Heating Costs in the Fall and Winter

As you see those expensive heating bills coming in during the fall and winter months, you may be wondering, what can I do about this? The answer is lots, and a lot of energy-saving measures are easy to do. Every little bit counts and you’ll see an impact and reduce heating bills.

Do an energy audit of your home to start, looking at areas that let warm air escape or let cold air in.

Dodge the Drafts

Your number one culprit for warm air escape is your windows. If you are in an older home, or if you have a large number of windows, you are very vulnerable. It’s easy to fix though. First, repair any cracks in the seals around the window with caulk.

Apply a film over top of the windows (you can tape it to the window frame, or apply it directly against the window pane itself). This is an effective barrier. Another trick is to install snugly fitting draperies and window treatments.

Run the Ceiling Fan

Although we tend to run the ceiling fan to keep cool when it is warm outside, keeping it going year round can help you save some cash and reduce heating bills by moving warm air around. If you have desktop or standalone fans, they work too. Conversely, try not to run the bathroom and kitchen fans, because they actually suck warm air out.

Even the Threshold

Block air from leaving through gaps between the exterior doors and the threshold by raising the threshold. An easy-to-apply adjustable threshold will do the trick.

Use the Sun to Your Advantage

You shouldn’t just seek the sun in the fall and winter for your daily dose of Vitamin D. Opening the curtains during the day lets the sun shine in- and lets you take advantage of some no-cost, very helpful solar power.

Protect the Chimney

Would you leave the window wide open in the living room in January? Of course not. However, that’s what you are effectively doing when you leave your chimney flue open when you’re not using your fireplace.

Make sure that it is closed tightly. Similarly, for extra energy savings put a chimney pillow in, which will act as an inflatable plug, blocking hot air from escaping.

Furnace Attention

It’s the season to get your furnace tuned up. A professional will clean the components, look for damage, attend to the pilot light and change the air filter. All of these items are important in helping your furnace run efficiently.

Fall and winter heating bills draining your wallet? We’ve got lots of energy efficient tips and more to help your reduce heating in your home. Contact our service professionals at Peterson Plumbing, In Grand Junction, CO, at Call us at (970)-399-7063.