How Do I Save Money on My Heating Bills This Fall?

The cold weather is upon us. And with it comes the horror of skyrocketing electricity bills. It’s always like this. Every year, when we enter the cold season, we face this problem. But does it have to stay this way? Is there anything we can do to save money without sacrificing our comfortability? Luckily, yes! So let’s talk about the things you should do to save money from your heating bills this season!

Here are some tips you can follow!

 1. Have your air conditioning checked

The first thing you should check on is your AC itself. It is the primary source of heating inside your home and the one that takes up a big chunk of your electricity bill during cold months. By making sure that your AC is in good working condition, you’ll be able to avoid additional unnecessary costs. Hiring a professional to inspect your AC every year for $80 to $200 can go a long way.

It’s also a good idea to replace your air filter a few times each year, ideally during the start of a season. Air filters cost around $15, and up to $30 for the nicer ones. While new air filters won’t necessarily save you money, they can help your unit run more efficiently, lengthening its lifespan.

Another thing you should look into is your ductwork. It is estimated that about 30% of heated air is lost due to leaks in the ductwork. You can prevent this from happening by also hiring a professional to do the job. This will save you a lot more money in the long run.

2. Make sure your home has proper insulation

Producing heat inside your home is one thing, but keeping the heat inside is another. Avoid wasting precious heat by installing proper insulation in your house.

There are lots of inexpensive options you can utilize to help keep the inside of your home warm. You can use draft blockers and outlet sealers that are readily available in most hardware stores. They may not seem impressive, but these little ones are cost-effective solutions. If there are cracks on your doors and windows, seal them right away. You may ask a professional to do it for you, but you can save a lot more by just doing it on your own. You can also try using a winterization kit, as they are very effective. The only downside is that they don’t look nice. But the cheapest way you can do is just to shut off your blinds or curtains at night. It won’t cost you anything, but you will prevent up to 10% of the heat from escaping through the windows.

3. Don’t max out your thermostat

Most people have developed a bad habit of turning up their thermostats too high. While the ideal temperature for people varies, there’s a sweet spot that you can follow to get the maximum value out of your heaters. Try keeping the setting at 68 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night. These settings will make your heater run most efficiently while providing ample amounts of heat.

Investing in a smart thermostat also comes in handy. It will allow you to set a time when the heating turns up. You can set the heating to turn back on only when you’re about to arrive home. This can save you up to 20% on your monthly bill and is definitely worth the investment in the long run.

4. Use a humidifier

Humidity is something we battle against during the summer. However, on the cold winter nights, humidity is our friend. When the humidity in the air is high, the warm moisture stays on our skin longer. The water molecules in the air have the capability to retain heat. Using a humidifier allows us to raise the humidity inside our homes, raising the heat index as well. You will need an initial investment of $400 to $700, but running them is a lot cheaper than your heaters!

A Final Word on Saving Money on Heating Bills (This Fall)

To be prepared for this coming season, let All Year do the work! Our highly-trained professionals will service your AC units to make sure they’re working in tip-top condition, saving you lots of money! Cut down those pesky electricity bills. We at All Year is your one-stop-shop for all your air conditioning needs!

(Source: Real Simple)