10 Ways To Cut Down On Your Heating Bill This Winter

With oil prices on the rise and cold weather on the horizon, many homeowners are concerned about their heating bills, especially during Pacific Northwest winters. As the weather cools down, you might be wondering, How can I lower my heat bill this winter? Whether you heat your house with natural gas, propane, or electricity, certain practices can help you save money on HVAC expenses for your Portland home. To learn how to save on heating costs this winter, get to know the following ten winter energy-saving tips.

1. Check Your Insulation

If you haven’t been in your attic recently –– or maybe ever –– it’s a good idea to take a look and check on the condition of your insulation. The insulation in your attic should be above the floor joists, and there should be enough air pockets throughout your home’s insulation to trap cold air. Old insulation might become brittle, making it less effective at keeping your home warm through the winter. If your insulation is thin, brittle, or improperly installed, you may consider replacing it.

2. Check Your Windows

If your home has old or cracked windows, it’s likely heat will escape, which will make your HVAC system work harder to warm your residential space. This winter, check that each of the windows in your home is sealed and free of cracks. If you discover cracks or unsealed areas where warm air can leak out, use caulk to seal them or replace any damaged seals. If the windows in your home are notably old, it could be worth your money to replace them as it will save you on both winter heating costs and summer cooling costs.

 

3. Weather-Proof Your Entryways

In addition to sealing off the windows in your home, it’s also important to check every door for drafts. If you notice areas where cold outdoor air is getting into your home, apply weather strips. Weather stripping will keep cold winter air out and warm air in.

4. Get a Ceiling Fan

Because heat rises, you can save money this winter by pushing down the warm air in your home with a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans can be especially cost-effective for houses with high or vaulted ceilings. In addition, ceiling fans are excellent for HVAC cost-savings in the summer.

5. Close Off Unused Rooms

If there are rooms in your home that are unused, you can save money on heating costs this winter by closing these areas off. Keeping the doors shut on rooms that are seldom used will keep your main living space warmer and prevent your residential furnace from overworking to heat your entire house.

6. Let the Sunshine In

On bright, sunny winter days, you can save money by opening the curtains and blinds on the south-facing window in your home. The light will assist with heating your home which will decrease the energy output of your HVAC system. Also, closing your curtains at night can reduce the amount of chilled air caused by cold windows.

7. Get Your Doors Aligned

Over time, the doors in your home can become misaligned and sag, which will cause warm air to seep out. Inspect each door in your home to ensure that they are properly fit to the casing. If you notice that any doors are not aligned, adjust them to ensure a tight fit.

8. Replace Your Air Filter

When residential air filters become dirty or clogged, it prevents your HVAC unit from running efficiently, which will lead to higher utility bills during the winter. It’s a smart idea to replace the air filter in your home at least once per year. A new air filter is a low-cost fix that that will save you money in the long run.

9. Check Your Vents

If any of the air vents throughout your home are blocked or obstructed by furniture, plants, curtains, or other items, your furnace will not be able to run as efficiently. Additionally, it’s a good idea to clean your vents regularly to remove dust, dirt, and debris.

10. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance and service checks on your furnace are crucial for ensuring it operates safely and efficiently. As a homeowner, it’s worth your money to have a trained HVAC technician inspect your heating system at least once a year as an inefficient unit will lead to high heating costs.

The Best Residential HVAC Services in Portland

Following these ten tips will result in lower heating bills this winter. Also, when your residential furnace runs efficiently, your family will remain safe and comfortable all year long. The knowledgeable Portland residential HVAC technicians at AAA Heating and Cooling are prepared to assist you with every aspect of your home’s heating system. From expert installation, service checks, and 24-hour emergency repair, we are here to help with all your residential HVAC needs in Portland and the surrounding areas.