If you live in a cold climate, your heating bill is likely to shoot up during the winter—that is, unless you choose to sacrifice comfort and spend the entire season shivering. For most people, however, the idea of being cold for months on end isn’t ideal—but neither is spending a ton of money on heating their homes. Fortunately, we have a few solutions. Here are some effective tips on how to lower heating costs during the winter.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Temperature Control System
Investing in an energy-efficient temperature control system may have a steeper up-front cost, but it can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. Because heating systems are some of the largest consumers of energy in homes, reducing the amount of energy your heating unit consumes can greatly reduce your monthly utility bill.
To purchase an energy-efficient temperature control system, pay close attention to the unit’s SEER rating. SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio,” and the rating will provide insight as to how energy-efficient the unit is. The higher the SEER rating, the eco-friendlier the temperature control system will be.
Clean or Replace Your Filters
Another tip on how to reduce your heating costs during the winter is to clean or replace your heating system’s filters. If these filters become clogged with dust and other particles, the airflow throughout the vents will become blocked. As a result, your heating system will have to use more energy to properly heat your home. To ensure heated air is able to circulate effectively throughout your home, make sure to clean or replace your filters on a regular basis.
Improve Your Home’s Insulation
Improving your home’s insulation does have a fairly significant up-front cost. However, properly insulating your home is essential to keeping it warm and reducing energy costs. If your home isn’t well-insulated, heated air will continuously escape from your home, and your heating system will have to work extra-hard to keep the space warm. In addition to increasing your energy bill, this can also shorten the system’s life, which will result in repair and replacement fees. As such, it’s often financially advantageous to improve your home’s insulation.
