Go ahead, buy a new sweater. It will not only make you feel more comfortable this winter, but you can easily pay for it with the money you’ll save on heating by following even a few sensible, energy-saving tips.
Begin by lowering the temperature in your home. (See why the sweater comes in handy?) The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for every degree you adjust your thermostat, you can save between 2 and 4 percent on your heating bill. This will add up quickly, especially if you drop the temperature further during the day – when people are at work and school – and overnight.
While you’re setting the thermostat, make sure that you’re doing so on a programmable thermostat – a nifty invention that allows you to set your thermostat for a day or for as long as a week ahead of time. For anyone who wants to save on heating costs, a programmable thermostat is a must-have piece of technology.
Build even more momentum in your quest to save on heating by:
- Scheduling a fall heat pump tune-up to remove the dirt and grime that impedes your heat pump’s performance
- Sealing air leaks and weatherstripping and caulking windows
- Replacing your heat pump air filter. Keep an extra filter around all season long; it will come in handy when you put “filter check” on your calendar at the beginning (or end) of every month
- Inspecting the condition and amount of insulation in your attic. Then check the amount against that recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy in a handy guide.
- Running your ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling. (In the summer, the fans should run in a counterclockwise direction.) Doing so will help you make use of the warm air already in your home.
- Keeping doors and windows closed but shades and window treatments open to take advantage of heat supplied by the sun
To schedule a tune-up or for other ideas to help you save on heating (and perhaps afford a second new sweater), call the experts at Cox Air Conditioning & Heating today.
