How to Keep Heating Expenses Low in Winter

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a cozy evening when the snow is falling outside and the heat is on…that is, until you get your energy bill the next morning and see how much you’ve spent on said heat! Furnaces are indeed very useful as the months grow cold, but they can also be a drain on your wallet if you’re not too careful.

If you’d rather save a few dollars this winter but don’t want to give up on staying warm, there’s good news: you don’t have to. Here are some suggestions we have on how you can keep your heating expenses on the low side this winter.

Hello Mr. Sunshine!

The sun may be your worst enemy in the summer, but it can be your best friend in the winter. Open all windows and blinds first thing in the morning to allow some natural light and heat to enter your home and save yourself some time from turning on the furnace. Even if it’s snowing outside, some of Mr. Sunshine’s help is still better in terms of expense.

Your Ceiling Fan Can Help

Did you know you can actually use your ceiling fan to help heat up your home as well as cool it off? Yep, it’s true! If you have ceiling fans in your home, you have more control over the air quality than you may realize. Simply switch the ceiling fans (if you have any) so that they move in a clockwise direction on a low setting. This will help the warm air stay contained in the room. When summer rolls back into town, switch the fans to move counter-clockwise again so that they can push the hot air in the room up and out.

Put on a Sweater (and Gloves, and a Scarf, Etc.)

Aunt Sue’s ugly sweaters from Christmas last year had their use after all. Regardless of their appearance, sweaters, gloves, scarves, slippers, blankets, and even some housecoats have their uses indoors, not just out. Bundle up for some easy warmth without having to raise the thermostat too high.

Take Shorter Showers and Baths

Yep, you read that right. As comfortable as a hot shower or bath sounds on a cold winter’s day, it could actually be adding a great deal of pain to your wallet. Your hot water heater uses fuel and time to get water hot, which can cost you in the long-term if you insist on taking longer showers. Also, if the heater is pushed beyond belief with your need of hot water as well, it’ll eventually mean you’ll have more than one HVAC unit to worry about when it gets cold.

If you absolutely must have a shower, make it a short one and then go bundle up like in our last tip as soon as you dry off. Depending on your skin and hair type, you may not even need to shower every day. In fact, according to recent research, showering every two or three days is actually better for your health. So use our tip about bundling up next time instead of hopping into the bath—it’s a way more cost-effective strategy!

Rooms Matter

By this we mean the number of rooms you use on a regular basis in your home. The kitchen, bedroom, and living room are a few examples of the rooms you may frequent the most. These are the rooms where turning on the furnace to heat up your home is acceptable. However, you should only heat these rooms and any others you frequently use the most—don’t bother heating up the entire house if you’re not going to use it!

Adjust Humidity Levels If You Need To

Winter weather can make the air dry out, so some of us have drier skin than others this time of the year. Moist air, in contrast, can both feel warmer and hold in heat much longer. If you want, you can use a humidifier to increase the room’s humidity level to help you feel more comfortable when the thermostat is set to a lower level. If you live in an apartment, having a collection of houseplants can help increase humidity too.

Insulation Can Help

Tons of money in energy costs are lost due to escaping heat and cold drafts inside homes, all because of poor insulation. This year, consider investing in proper insulation methods to reduce the likelihood of escaping heat. Check your local home improvement store and then cover up any areas you suspect heat can leak out from. You can also consider investing in foam weather stripping for your doors and windows—it’s inexpensive, effective, and very easy to apply.

Your Furnace (and How to Use it)

Your furnace should actually be a last resort if you are truly freezing, given how much fuel and time it needs to heat up the house. Do use your furnace if you absolutely must, but you should ensure its filter and vents are properly maintained and cleaned before you switch it on. Check on the filter once a month when the winter weather really settles in and change it if it’s dirty. This will help reduce the amount of energy consumed and save you a few dollars too.

Have a Cup of Tea

Or coffee, or hot chocolate, or mulled apple cider—whatever you prefer. This is both an easy solution and a tasty one too.

Stay warm and cozy this winter! If you’ve discovered something wrong with your furnace or want to get it inspected before the snow starts coming down too hard, give us a call. At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-778-728-1476 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for free giveaways!