Save on Your Heating Bills by Following These Steps

Nothing gives you a real chill more than the sight of your hefty heating bills during the costly fall and winter months. Don’t despair though; there are a number of simple steps that you can take to seriously shave those costs down.

We’ve assembled some of our best tips for you here.

Furnace Tune-Up

You should always get your furnace serviced before you turn it on for the season. The technician will clean it out, change the air filter and inspect for cracks in the surrounding ductwork. By making sure that everything is intact, you can make sure that you’re not wasting hot air. Similarly, a clean furnace filter will help your system run optimally (which means cost savings for you).

Leave Curtains Open

This one is low-tech, but it really works. Simply leave curtains open during the daytime to let the sun pour in and help boost the temperature in the room by a few degrees naturally.

Film Application

One money-saving measure is to have an energy-efficient film applied to your windows. This film allows light to filter through, but traps warm air from escaping. It also keeps the cold air outside- where it belongs.

Pay Attention to the Chimney

You may think of your fireplace as a great way to get warm in your home during the fall and winter months, but it also represents an escape hatch for your hard-working hot air to escape- right out the chimney. Don’t forget that hot air rises. As the hot air goes in, cold air makes its way back down.

Make sure that the damper is properly closed when you aren’t using it. You can also use a chimney pillow, which acts as a plug in the chimney, keeping cold air out and hot air in.

Level Out Entryways

Is there a gap between exterior doors and the threshold? That’s the perfect route for the hot air to escape your home. It’s easy to fix with an adjustable threshold, which will make the door close air tight.

Get Rid of Drafts

Inspect around windows and doors for cracks in the seal. Caulk up any trouble spots, to prevent hot air from escaping.

Run Fans

Ceiling fans aren’t just for keeping cool in the summer. They can help move the air around during the fall and winter too, which keeps the temperature more steady. You simply change the fan’s direction to reverse, which will grab and push the naturally rising warm air.

Are you thinking about having a furnace tune-up? Call Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. today at (804) 526-8415 to schedule your appointment in Colonial Heights, VA.