When the going gets tough, the tough usually get going. Not always right away, mind you since we all have different levels of endurance and patience.
Take over-paying to heat your home. Would a sustained and average 10% increase in price from one month to the next motivate you to act? Twenty percent? Higher? No matter where your pain threshold might lie, Air Professionals can show you how to cut heating costs on your own. We can also provide significant support to further your cause.
For now, here are some tried and true expense-reducing techniques:
Lower the thermostat. If you’re accustomed to a winter setting of 70 degrees, try getting by at 64 – 66. Sure, it will be a little uncomfortable at first, but only until you start wearing layered clothing and covering yourself in a blanket or two. It’s about the easiest of all ways to reduce home heating costs.
Reduce drafts. You can save up to 30% by eliminating drafts that seep through, under, and around your windows and doors. Replace or add caulking, add more weather stripping where needed, and get yourself one or more under-door draft stoppers. Heat can even be escaping through switches and outlets. Place your hand over them and if you feel cool air, you have another draft-reduction measure you can employ.
Change the filter. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, making the heating system work harder, and thus driving up energy costs. Filters should be cleaned or replaced every 6-8 weeks or so, depending on the age of the system and type of filter. Keeping tabs on the filter also helps improve air quality. The more efficient the filter, the more allergens and debris it traps, thus preventing them from polluting the air and your lungs.
Run fans in reverse. Changing the direction of a ceiling fan can shave as much as 10% off monthly heating bills. Flipping a switch on the fan changes the fans rotation to clockwise which then pushes warm air back down so it, too, can take some of the pressure off your furnace or boiler.
Block the chimney. Make sure the fireplace damper is shut tight when not in use. This simple step will prevent heated air from escaping up and out the chimney.
Here’s How We Can Help
Heating systems that receive annual preventive maintenance – performed by a trained professional – last longer and cost less to operate. Gas or oil, forced air, or baseboard, Air Professionals maintains, repairs, and installs them all. Contact us today to schedule service and start enjoying some real savings on home heating costs.