With the chill of winter right around the corner many homeowners are starting to prepare their homes and their finances for the long cold season and all the heating and accommodation it demands. So how can you prepare your home’s heating system for the heavy amount of usage you’re going to need without putting too much of a dent in your home’s energy efficiency or your personal utility budget? Here are some of the easy ways to make sure this winter you have the heating system you need at a price you can afford.

Bulk up on Clothing

Did you know that with most heating companies around America increasing your home’s thermostat by one degree translates into a five percent increase in your heating bill? Keep your thermostat lower during the day when fewer people are home and the sun’s natural light is helping to warm the house and you can save a ton overtime.

Have your Heating System Serviced

Generally speaking, your home’s heating system should be inspected and cleaned every couple of months with a constant eye on the condition of filters and seals in order to make sure that its energy efficiency is as high as possible. In addition, this servicing allows for your heating system to be updated by a professionally trained heating system contractor so as to lower your overall utility costs.

Inspect for Sealing Needs

Professionally trained siding inspection and roofing inspection contractors can help weatherproof your home and increase its energy efficiency all with a simple inspection. Contact them to perform an inspection and sealing throughout your home and you’ll be amazed how much of a difference you’ll see in your heating bills.

Your Fans are for More than Just Cooling

In the summer your homes ceiling fans do a great job of circulating air and helping you cool down, in the winter they can still be very helpful, however! Set your ceiling fans to a low setting to keep the wind they make to a minimum and they’ll help to move the rising warm air back down to those in the room.

Adjust your Water Heater Temperature

Up to a quarter of your home’s total energy consumption can be traced to your water heater! So with winter naturally raising your energy bills it’s important to counter-intuitively lower your water heater’s temperature to the “warm” setting (somewhere around 120 degrees, usually). Taking this simple step can make a huge difference to your home’s energy efficiency and utility costs.

Energy Star = Energy Savings

If your home’s heating system is outdated it likely is much less energy efficient than the newest models on the market. Consider changing out components of your home’s heating system with newer, Energy Star rated versions and you’ll see your home’s energy efficiency increased, heating bills lowered, and may even receive a rebate depending on your area’s local incentive programs.

Insulation Renewal

Your home’s insulation is one of the most helpful ways to keep the heat you’re paying for where you want it. That’s why it’s so important to have it inspected leading into the cold winter months. Professionally trained home insulation contractors can determine whether you’re retaining as much heat and energy as you could be and advise you how even a little bit of new insulation installation can help improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency throughout the season.

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