Fall is coming, and with it, the cooler temperatures that so many look forward to after the heat of summer. While cooler temperatures usually mean higher heating bills, there are several things you can do to minimize the season’s impact on your wallet.
Seal the Leaks
Drafts that come through small holes in your walls can allow lots of heated air to escape your home. Before the weather turns cold this fall, check the weatherstripping on all of your doors and windows and replace any that is worn out. Check for drafts around electrical outlets and seal any you find with caulk. Walk around the perimeter of your home and check the wall surrounding vents and drains. If you find any holes, patch them up to prevent heat loss as well as to keep out rodents and insects.
Service Your Furnace
In the fall, call in an expert to tune up your furnace. A service technician should inspect your entire heating system including duct work and inform you of any parts that need to be replaced. They should change all filters and clean out the unit, lubricating all the moving parts to ensure smooth operation and minimize wear and tear. They should calibrate your pilot light, and provide you with a written report summarizing their findings, work that was done, and parts changed.
Program Your Thermostat
To save money on your heating bill, turn your thermostat down as much as you can while still staying comfortable within your home. Every degree below 70 degrees Fahrenheit that you lower your thermostat can save you up to five percent on your heating bill. So keep your thermostat at 68 degrees during the day, and turn it down low or completely off at night while you’ll be tucked into bed. If you can, program your thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature for you so you don’t have to remember.
Turn Down Your Water Heater
Your hot water heater can consume an enormous amount of energy depending on the model you own. Lowering the thermostat on your hot water heater will save you quite a bit of money, particularly with older models that constantly heat large amounts of water to a set temperature. Lowering your water heater temperature will not only save you money on heating costs but will also help to prevent accidental burns. Follow the link to learn more about how homeowner’s insurance can protect you in such an event.
Use Passive Climate Control
Opening curtains during the day to let the sunlight in will help to heat your home and closing curtains at night will help seal in the heat by blocking drafts and covering your windows, where it is estimated that up to 25% of home heat loss occurs. You can also consider covering windows with plastic during the winter to further insulate your windows without blocking sunlight. You can buy insulating curtains designed to conserve energy, and they can help to keep your home cool in the summer as well.
By taking a few simple steps, you can prepare your home for fall and save money on your home heating bill. These ideas will keep you warm and cozy inside so you can relax and enjoy the season.