How to save money on your heating bill this winter

A breathtaking 40% of US households – So many use electricity to heat their homes.

If you belong to this group, prepare to pay roughly $ 1,162 for your electricity bill this winter.

Admittedly, this average heating cost calculation corresponds to a decrease of 1% compared to last year’s calculation. Even so, $ 1,162 is a lot of money, and it’s cash that you can put away as a savings instead. Furthermore, this is just the average number, which means that you could end up paying even more.

Don’t fret yet. There are many ways to cut your heating bills this winter. Many of them help you save even in summer.

Are you ready to learn all about these options to reduce your heating (and also cooling) costs? Then let’s dive right in!

Wash or replace your oven or kettle filter

A filter protects the internal components of the furnace or boiler from contamination such as dust. It catches Gunkel from the heated air (stove) or steam (boiler) and traps them.

Over time, the heater’s filter will become clogged. How quickly the filter becomes dirty depends on a number of factors that we will discuss in more detail later. For now, keep in mind that clean filters can reduce your device’s energy consumption by up to 15%.

For starters, clean or new filters allow for optimal air (or steam) flow without stressing the device. Slightly heated air or steam flows through without clogging. This way the device can distribute as much heat as possible in your home.

While dirt and debris reduce the amount of heat that gets into the filters. This forces the heater to work harder so your home stays evenly heated. One way the system can compensate is to run longer than necessary to keep up with the desired temperature.

The dirtier the filter, the longer it has to run and the higher your heating costs.

To prevent this and save heating costs, change or clean your filters at least every three months. More often if your home is one of them 40% of US households with a gas stove and you cook a lot. Gas powered devices can contribute to increased indoor pollution such as nitrogen dioxide.

The same applies if you have pets, because the filter of your heater is additionally burdened by animal hair. Anything that sheds skin and fur will block your device’s filter faster. Therefore, check it at least once a month. Replace or wash if it has turned gray or if there is no light flowing through if you place it against the light.

Seal leaks on windows and doors

Air leaks matter as much as a third of the HVAC energy consumption of a house. So not only can you not use this heated or cooled air – you also have to pay for the wasted energy!

For this reason, sealing uncontrolled leaks is one of the best ways to save heating costs. By making your home more airtight, you can save everywhere 10 to 20% on your HVAC energy costs.

Old and damaged windows and doors are the most common places for air leaks. So start with these. You will know that windows are “drafty” when they rattle or when you feel the wind from them. Sunlight entering around the frame of a window (or door) also indicates an air leak.

You can also place a lit candle near a closed window to see if the flame fluctuates. If so, it signals a possible air leak.

Tensile windows do not always have to be replaced, as you can repair them by sealing them. This fix is ​​ideal for gaps or tears less than 1/4 inch in size.

Use sealing strips if the movable window and door components are damaged. However, be sure to choose a sealing material based on the location of the leak. For example, you should use a tension seal for leaks in the rail of a sliding window.

Replace thin curtains with thick curtains

Thick curtains with a good thermal resistance class can reduce heat loss by about 30% a third to a half. This is especially helpful for homes with air leaks. However, be sure to hang the curtains as high as possible on the ceiling and as close to the floor as possible.

Let the sun in

When talking about curtains, make sure you open them on the south-facing windows during the day to let the sun’s heat in. Any natural heating during the snow season will help reduce the load on your heater. With less “extra” work, your furnace or boiler will run more efficiently and use less energy.

Don’t forget to close the curtains as soon as the sun goes down. If you leave them open, you will lose heat at night. Remember that even conventional curtains when closed can reduce the heat loss of a room by up to 10%. So if you leave them open all night, this benefit is canceled.

Optimize your thermostat

Programming your thermostat is another way to save money on your heating bill. Lowering the normal setting between 7 and 10 F can reduce your heating and cooling costs every year by 10%.

Of course, you want to do this when you are not at home or while you are sleeping. To stay even more comfortable all night, put on thicker blankets and use them.

You should also get a programmable thermostat that only costs about An average of $ 170. This makes it easier to set and set the temperature to the usual settings. You can even control intelligent thermostats remotely via your smartphone or tablet.

Let your heating unit be seasonally optimized by professionals

Dust and dirt have probably settled on your heating system in the six months before the fall season. As a result, the burners, flue pipes and the heat exchanger of the device work inefficiently. And as with dirty filters, your heating system uses more energy than it needs.

You can change or clean the filters yourself, but seasonal optimization should best be in the hands of HVAC professionals. This is because you have to open the device to check internal components for damage such as rust. You would also make sure that the connections are secure and that there are no frayed wires.

The ideal time for heating optimization is the fall season. Most consumers tend to use HVAC contractors in winter. It is therefore best to plan yours earlier.

Beautify your home with insulation

One study found that up to 65% of the houses in the USA there is no isolation. Unfortunately, this is a major driver of heating and cooling costs. Especially in older homes and those that have problems with air leaks.

Even if you have sealed many air leaks in your home, you should still insulate your home. Priority areas include loft, basement, crawl space, and exterior walls. This will help you keep your home warm in the cold season and cool in the warmer season.

As a result, your electricity bills will drop over the course of the year. In fact, you can with the right type and amount of insulation Reduce heating costs by 30%. More if you invest in high-quality insulation with a higher R-value.

Do not hesitate to negotiate

In 13 states plus DC, consumers can choose their electricity supplier. This is thanks to the “Power selection in retail“Program. In these countries, all residents can choose who they want to get their electricity from.

If you live in one of these states, use it to your advantage to negotiate and secure better prices. Some electricity companies tend to offer lower tariffs if they believe a customer is about to switch. If they offer you a lower price, make sure it is still lower than what other companies are charging.

For convenience, use websites to compare electricity tariffs such as Vault electricity. By using such websites, you can learn more about the top utilities in your area faster. On these online platforms, you can find out immediately what the price per kWh is and what additional taxes will apply.

Stop the peaks in your heating bill

As you can see, there are many things you can change at home to lower your heating bills this winter season. By simply washing or buying a new filter (which only costs $ 10 to $ 30By the way) you can already reduce your heating costs. You can also save by swapping your curtains for lined curtains, but it costs you almost nothing.

So, follow as many of these steps as you can as early as possible! The sooner you do this, the more of that cold, hard cash you can keep in your wallet.

Are you ready for more insider tips on how to increase your home’s energy efficiency? Then bookmark our website so that you can always come back to such instructions!