With the cold and winter among us, you may be noticing a significant increase in your home’s energy bill with the high fuel costs. Most homes in the U.S. heat with natural gas. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) natural gas bills this winter are expected to average 30% higher than last year. If it’s colder than average, which is on the horizon, that number can increase due to supply and demand, putting already struggling families into more financial hardship. There are several ways you can keep your home warm and comfortable while saving money on your heating bill this winter.
- Seal air leaks. Air drafts around windows, doors, vents, outlets, and fireplaces cause fluctuating temperatures in your home. If you have a fireplace, close the damper when not in use to prevent cold air coming in. You can reduce air leaks by using caulk or weather-stripping to seal the leaks, which can decrease your monthly energy bill by 10-15%.
- Set thermostat. Just by adjusting your thermostat a couple degrees cooler can make a difference. During the winter set your thermostat between 65-68 degrees during the day, lower at night, and 58 degrees when away from home. Turning down your thermostat by 10-15 degrees for eight hours straight can save you about 5-15% on your heating bill.
- Clear Vents. Move any furniture or drapes away from heating vents to allow full flow of heat throughout your home. Furniture that blocks any vents makes the furnace have to work harder to maintain the temperature and results in an increase in energy use and heating costs on your bill.
- Clean HVAC system. Your home’s HVAC system is the essential component to heating the inside. Replacing the air filter should be done regularly along with having the air ducts clean and free from debris. This allows for proper air flow during the cold winter. Not only does air duct cleaning improve the air quality in your home, but duct cleaning will keep your system functioning at peak efficiency. When your HVAC system is clean and running properly it does not have to work as hard to heat your home, resulting in improved energy efficiency. Less energy consumption equals money saved on your heating bill. Consider hiring a professional reputable company to inspect your system for improvements.
Taking these simple steps will help you save money on your heating bill, while keeping your home comfortable. A thorough cleaning and inspection of your HVAC system should be done professionally every 1 to 2 years, but with rising costs now is the perfect time to take necessary action and get your air ducts cleaned. At Duct Dudes our trained and professional technicians can guarantee that your air duct cleaning will save energy consumption and money on your heating bill. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule your duct cleaning.
