How much money do you typically spend on utilities to heat your home during the winter?
As the temperatures begin to drop in the latter part of the year, you’ll probably rely on your home’s central heating to create a warm and comfortable living space.
Whether it’s powered by electricity or natural gas, though, central heating costs money to operate.
The good news is that you can save money on your home’s heating costs by following these tips.
Install a Humidifier
If your home suffers from dry air during the winter, installing a humidifier may prove beneficial.
When the air is dry, meaning it has a low relative humidity, it will feel cooler. As a result, you may feel compelled to crank up the heat.
With a humidifier installed, on the other hand, the air will feel warmer, thereby lowering your dependence on your home’s central heating.
Don’t Obstruct Vents
While walking throughout your home, check the air vents to ensure they aren’t obstructed.
Both the supply vents and return vents should be free of obstruction so that they can operate properly.
If a supply vent is obstructed, warm air won’t be able to exit the furnace.
If a return vent is obstructed, the cool air inside your home won’t be able to enter the furnace.
Turn on Ceiling Fans
When using your home’s central heating, turn on the ceiling fans.
Some people assume that ceiling fans, as well as other fans, create cooler air, but this isn’t necessarily true. They don’t have any impact on the temperature of the surrounding air.
Nonetheless, ceiling fans still save you money on your home’s heating costs by blowing the warm air around your home to promote a more efficient central heating system.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat can yield huge savings on your home’s heating costs.
A programmable thermostat, of course, allows you to schedule your home’s heating and cooling for specific times of the day.
If your home unoccupied between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., for example, you can program the thermostat for a cooler temperature than the rest of the day when your home is occupied.
Keep the Chimney Flue Closed
Assuming your home has a fireplace, you should keep the chimney flue closed at all times when you aren’t using the fireplace.
If the flue is open, the warm air inside your home will rise and exit through the chimney.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
