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There are plenty of easy ways to slash your energy consumption during the cool months. Not only does this save you money, it’s also a great way to be more eco-friendly and conserve our precious natural resources. Thankfully, cutting down on heat usage doesn’t require anything drastic. Use these simple tips to decrease your heating bill and make sure your home heating system is working as efficiently as possible.

1. Lower the Thermostat
One surefire way to save on your heating bill is to lower the temperature in your home. When it’s chilly outside, put on a sweater or cuddle up under a blanket rather than cranking up the heat. Putting warmer sheets and blankets on your bed in the cooler months is another way to fight the temptation to turn up the heat every time the outside temperature drops. The EPA says that for every one degree you turn your heat down, you’ll use about one percent less energy.

2. Get a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats can save energy (and money) compared with their old-fashioned counterparts. Installing one can save you up to 30 percent on your cooling and heating bill, and it’s a lot more convenient than manually adjusting your thermostat all the time. You never have to worry about turning the heat down at bedtime or off when you leave for work.

3. Seal Off Your Home
Homes can lose a lot of heat through doors, windows, cracks and other openings. Make sure your home is well-insulated and that all your windows are properly installed and sealed. Check under doors for gaps that could cause heat loss, and inspect your home for cracks and other hidden sources of lost heat.

4. Recommended Routine Maintenance
Make sure your HVAC system is on a routine maintenance schedule. Keeping your heating unit running properly and having your ducts cleaned and filters changed regularly will save you lots of money and energy over time, and the air in your home will be healthier. If your furnace is on the verge of a breakdown, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model.

5. Be Water Wise
Sometimes when we think about our heating bill, we aren’t considering all the hot water we use in our homes for things like showers, baths, laundry and dishes. There are so many ways we use hot water every day, and it adds up quickly. There are plenty of ways you can cut down on hot water usage without feeling as if you’re depriving yourself. A few options include:

• Take shorter showers.
• Install low-flow shower heads.
• Invest in an energy efficient washer and dishwasher.
• Keep your hot water heater in good repair.
• Repair any leaks or other plumbing issues right away.

If you want to upgrade your heating and cooling system or find out more ways to cut your heating bills, get in touch with Cox Heating & Air Conditioning today. Our friendly service and knowledgeable technicians demonstrate why Cox has been a favorite HVAC company since 1958.