FinancingNine Tips to Keep Your Heating Bill from Spiking this Season
Drop the thermostat to the lowest setting possible. Pile on blankets. Dress in layers.
That may be a surefire way to keep energy costs down, but it is not the most comfortable or practical method. You can save energy and money on your monthly heating bill this winter by tweaking your energy use and employing a few tips to help you stay warm while keeping utility bills down.
At Carrier Cooling Center, we know energy efficiency starts with a heating system tune-up. Have you scheduled your fall furnace or heat pump maintenance this year? You still have plenty of time to get a safety inspection and cleaning for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. A professional checkup is beneficial no matter when you set it up during the heating season.
You can find a nearby Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer through our Carrier Cooling Center directory to get you started. The dealers in our network serve customers in Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, portions of Texas, and California. Click our Find A Dealer link to choose an HVAC team near you.
Energy Saving Tips to Reduce Your Heating Bill
Maintenance ensures your heating equipment is working safely and at peak performance in your home. When your HVAC unit operates efficiently, you save money on heating bills. It is your first step in keeping your heating bill from spiking this winter.
Here are eight other ways to lower your energy costs:
- Thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat. It will allow you to schedule temperature changes to avoid overheating your home when no one is there, or you are asleep. If your programmable thermostat has Wi-Fi capability, you can change your thermostat setting from anywhere with an app on your smartphone. A smart thermostat adjusts the temperature based on your home habits.
ENERGY STAR® recommends choosing a programmable or smart thermostat it has certified. The agency says you will save approximately eight percent on heating costs.
Find the best thermostat for your home with help from our Carrier Cooling Center’s directory of Carrier dealers.
- Filters
Inspect your HVAC air filter every month. If it is dirty, replace it. Install a new filter at least every 90 days. Dirty filters restrict airflow and cause HVAC systems to work harder to attain your thermostat setting and use more energy, causing your heating bill to spike.
- Airflow
Placing holiday decorations, drapery, or furniture in front of ductwork air vents can restrict airflow, leading to higher energy use and costs. Keep vents open and unobstructed. Clear encroaching weeds and shrubs from around the outdoor unit of your heat pump and sweep off any snow around the unit.
- Weatherizing
Pick a mild day and spend time outside sealing your doors and windows. Apply weatherstripping and caulk to close cracks and holes that allow heat to escape and cold enter to enter your home.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests an easy do-it-yourself project to seal drafty windows using tape and clear plastic. Use heavy-duty, clear plastic sheeting cut to fit the inside of the frames on drafty windows. Tape the sheeting in place. Install drapes or blinds to add a layer of insulation over the plastic. Open drapes and curtains on south-facing windows to let sunshine in.
- Ceiling Fans
A ceiling fan can help move warm air near the ceiling downward in your living space. Reverse the motor to rotate the fan blades clockwise at low speed to feel the warm air.
- Fireplace
Close the damper when you are not using the fireplace. An open damper will allow heat to escape. Consider installing glass doors and a fireplace blower. The blower will circulate the heat from the fireplace into the room.
- Under the Door
Install a door sweep to prevent air from seeping through the gap at the bottom of your exterior doors. Another option is a door snake you can place inside the door. You can make a door snake by sewing a tube from fabric and filling it with dried beans or rice. Be sure the rubber gaskets at the bottom of the doors in your attached garage are in good shape. If not, replace them to help keep cold air and critters out.
- Upgrade
If your furnace or heat pump is at the end of its useful service life, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency heating and cooling system. You will notice the savings on your next energy bill.
Talk with a Professional
Turn to a Carrier dealer to help you keep heating costs low this winter. Check our Carrier Cooling Center directory to find a dealer near you in Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, portions of Texas, and California.