Reducing Energy Costs this Winter

Winter in our neck of the woods can be harsh and keeping your heating costs under control can become a real challenge. To help, we have put together some tips and tricks to help you stay warm without breaking the bank.

Set your Thermostat Lower

Lowering the thermostat by even just a couple of degrees can help save money right off the bat. If you feel chilly, instead of raising the thermostat, bundle up and put on a sweater with some warm socks or slippers. You can also buy a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your temperature for day and night. Without even having to think about it, the thermostat can turn down the heat in an unused room when you are sleeping or when you are not at home. This alone can save you upwards of 15% on your heating bill!

Use Fans

Ceiling fans have two directions, one to draw air up and one to push air down. Using them to circulate the warm air will help eliminate cold spots in the home. You can also use oscillating fans to help move the air around.

Keep Vents and Heaters Clear

Make sure your air registers aren’t covered by furniture or rugs and keep radiators clear and open. Heat travels further if it doesn’t have to go around obstacles.

Seal Leaks

The most common areas that heat loss occurs are around windows, doors, electrical sockets, baseboards, and attics. Sealing any leaks can help save you at least 10-20% on your heating bill. Seal the gaps with caulk or weather stripping. The major culprit for heat loss is your windows. You can buy a window covering kit at your local hardware or dollar store and cover the windows to keep drafts out.

Close your Curtains

Closing curtains and blinds at night can help insulate your home when temperatures are generally at their coldest. If you have any uncovered windows, hanging a blanket over the window at night will help.

Let the Sun In

During the day, let the sunshine in. If you have your windows covered in plastic to keep drafts out, letting the sunshine in it can raise the temperature of a room by at least 2 degrees or more.

Check Your Filters

If you have forced air, check the filters on your furnace to make sure they are clean and at peak performance. The general rule for changing your furnace filter is every 3 months. If you have pets or smoke inside the house, you will need to check and change your furnace filters more often.

Proper Maintenance

Lastly, be sure to have your heating systems checked regularly. With proper service and maintenance, your heating systems will function at optimum efficiency. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to call Triple Tech at 705-333-8324 and see how we can help you save today!