Overwhelming utility costs can cut into your budget in a big way when the weather turns cold. Climate inconsistencies make cool conditions unpredictable, especially in the Pacific Northwest. When you run your heater round the clock to stay comfortable, your bill can skyrocket.
HERE ARE 10 WAYS THAT YOU CAN DECREASE WHAT YOU PAY IN HEATING COSTS EACH MONTH.
1. SEAL ANY OPENINGS
While it’s smart to keep windows and doors shut, there also may be other openings that you don’t even know about. Gaps around your window frames create air leaks, which allow warmth to escape your home. Sealing these up can make a big difference in your home’s ability to retain heat.
2. CHECK THE INSULATION
Insulation is one of the primary reasons your home is able to stay as warm as it does. Some areas, such as the attic or basement, may not have been properly insulated when your home was built. Having a good team come in and insulate the walls should help with heating costs.
3. REPLACE YOUR FILTER
Furnaces and air conditioners use filters to keep the main components free of dust and other debris that gets pulled in through the vents. When the air filter is dirty, the furnace has to work harder. This leads to a significant reduction in efficiency and an increase in utility bills.
4. MAINTAIN YOUR FURNACE
Before the worst of the cold weather sets in, it’s a good idea to have a yearly maintenance checkup for your heating unit. Some components may need adjustment or full replacement to improve energy efficiency. Paying the heating pump cost for new equipment is better than inflated utility bills.
5. OPEN YOUR CURTAINS
You should absolutely keep your windows firmly shut, but pulling the curtains back is a smart way to heat the interior of your home. Take advantage of the sun’s natural warmth by letting its rays shine through the windows. The brightness also enables you to turn off energy-draining sources of light.
6. CLOSE VENTS
If you have rooms that tend to run a little warmer, or that don’t get used nearly as often, considering closing up the vents in these areas. Rather than escaping into these rooms, that warm air will run back through the vents and heat an area that gets a lot more use.
7. ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT
There are certain times of the day when you don’t necessarily need to run your furnace at full blast. Lower the temperature of your thermostat at night or during long stretches where you’re away from the house. A programmable model can make this even easier.
8. WEAR LAYERS
Cold weather was made for sweaters, sweatshirts, and fuzzy socks. By layering, you can easily add or remove pieces of clothing to help you stay as warm as you need. You won’t need to rely on your furnace so much to heat the air.
9. INVEST IN WARM BLANKETS
Whether you’re bundled up in bed or curled up on the couch, a set of soft, thick blankets can keep you nice and toasty. This makes it even more bearable to turn down the heat, even when it’s really cold outside.
10. SEE ABOUT REPAIRS
Sometimes something just isn’t working right with your heating system. It may be a problem with the unit itself, whether indoor or outdoor, or it may be the ductwork. The more the equipment struggles to operate, the higher your bills may be. A prompt repair can help alleviate this.
For maintenance or repairs on your heating pump or other components, contact us at The Heat Pump Store. Our technicians are well-trained with expert knowledge in the industry to get the job done right. We care about our customers, and we want you to enjoy the warmth of your heating unit without the exceedingly high cost.
