Best Ways to Save Money on a Heating Bill

Sunlight is a free source of heat that can help warm up a room.

As wintertime approaches and the temperature drops, it's only natural to crank up the heat in our homes to stay comfortable. But, unfortunately, those increased energy bills can dampen our cozy plans.

Let's discuss a few easy ways to save money on a heating bill this winter:

Install foam gaskets behind outlet covers

Installing foam gaskets behind outlet covers is a quick and easy way to improve energy efficiency. These gaskets create a seal around the outlet, preventing air from leaking. As a result, the room will be better insulated against cold and hot weather.

Foam gaskets can also help reduce drafts, making the room more comfortable year-round.

Turn down the thermostat

Every degree of lower temperature can save up to 5% on an energy bill. For example, if the temperature is usually set at 72 degrees, consider lowering it to 68 degrees. The room may feel chilly at first, but most people get used to it in no time. Just ensure not to lower the temperature too much, as doing so could overwork the furnace and cause it to break down.

Make sure there are no air leaks

Light a candle and watch the smoke trail to test for an air leak. If the smoke trail gets tugged in one direction of the room — near doors or windows, for example — it likely means an air leak. Caulk or another sealant can fix the problem. Just ensure to blow out the candle before exiting the room; it's never safe to leave an open flame unattended.

Use a space heater in rooms used most often

This will help save money by only heating the rooms used frequently instead of heating the entire home. Be sure to turn off the space heater when leaving the room, and never leave it unattended while it's turned on.

Take advantage of natural sunlight

Sunlight is a free source of heat that can help warm up a room. To take advantage of this, open draperies and blinds to let in the sunlight. Then, once the sun has set, close them back up to help retain the heat collected during the day.

Natural sunlight is also great for drying clothes or towels. Hang them near a window where they will be exposed to the sun's rays. Not only is this an excellent method to save energy, but it also helps to freshen up the laundry.

Bring in some extra blankets and cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa

Wearing warmer clothing and adding an extra layer or two of blankets can help make any room feel warmer without raising the temperature on the thermostat. And there's nothing quite like snuggling up with a warm blanket and a delicious cup of hot cocoa to fight off the chill.

Trust professionals

There are several other ways to benefit from consulting an HVAC professional.

• Obtaining a professional evaluation of the current system and recommendations for improvement.

• Ensuring that the system is installed correctly and operates at peak efficiency.

• Regular maintenance helps prevent minor problems from becoming larger ones.

• Extending the life of the equipment.

• Emergency service for when something goes wrong with the system.

Invest in the property

Entrusting the HVAC system to a professional ensures it's in good hands and will be adequately serviced and repaired to help save money on heating bills.

When you need heating or refrigeration service, maintenance, or repair, call us at Affordable Comfort A/C and Heating at 602-574-1205.