Tips for Lowering Your Winter Heating Bill | Bryant Heating & Cooling
We all seek shelter in the snug coziness of home — but how snug is it, really? Does your home's warmth start sneaking away the moment the furnace cycles off? Short of an expensive weatherizing remodel, there are plenty of simple, affordable (or free) tricks to make your home tighter and more fuel-efficient this winter.
As a heating and cooling professional, the first thing I'll say is this: now — before the cold sets in — is the season to have an aging furnace inspected and maintained, before it turns into a costly repair. And if your system is old and inefficient, it may be worth considering a more energy-efficient replacement. But if a new furnace isn't in the budget, or you just want to help out the planet a little, here are a few of the tips I find help the most.
Cover your windows
Blinds and curtains do more than look nice — they add a layer of insulation. In winter, that extra cover helps keep heat from escaping through older, less-efficient windows. Open them on sunny days to let warmth in; close them at night to hold it.
Use a programmable thermostat
Today's thermostats give you plenty of options, but the basics are simple: don't heat your home when no one's there. Write down your daily habits and program them in, so the thermostat eases back the temperature while you're away or asleep and warms things up before you're home. Even small setbacks add up — as a rough rule, every degree you lower the thermostat can trim about 2% off your annual heating bill.
Reduce drafts
I see so many homeowners invest in a great new furnace, only to let that warm air leak right back outside. Stop heating the outdoors: hunt down leaky drafts and seal them. Check the bottoms of doors, outlet covers, window frames, and where plumbing enters the house, and seal the gaps with foam or silicone. It's cheap, and it makes a real difference.
Get your furnace ready for winter
The biggest single step is making sure the furnace itself is running efficiently. Book a furnace inspection before peak season, or contact Bryant Heating & Cooling at 614-855-9010 — a quick tune-up now keeps those winter bills in check.
