With heating costs always on the rise, families and homeowners are constantly looking for ways to stay warm during frigid winters without breaking the bank.
With heating costs always on the rise, families and homeowners are constantly looking for ways to stay warm during frigid winters without breaking the bank. Fortunately, there are some super easy steps you can take to make sure there aren’t any nasty surprises on your winter utility bills.
Check Your Thermostat
Lowering your thermostat temperature may seem like a counterintuitive solution, but it is actually the easiest way to directly affect your energy usage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering the temperature on your home’s thermostat for just eight hours each day can save about 10% on heating costs for the year. The easiest time to do this would probably be while you’re at work during the day. The light from the sun will provide plenty of warmth, and you’re not going to be there anyway. For extra savings, you can upgrade to a programmable smart thermostat that will learn your preferences and show you where you can conserve some energy.
Keep it Clean
In the winter when our homes are closed up tight against the cold, it can sometimes get dustier much faster. If you have pets, this unfortunately gets worse. To reduce heating costs and prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system, try to keep filters as clean as possible. Additional dusting and vacuuming will also help a lot. If it’s been a while since the ductwork in your home was cleaned by a professional, you may want to have that done too. A clean HVAC system is an efficient one, after all.
Switch Your Ceiling Fan
Another solution that may seem somewhat counterintuitive is to use your ceiling fans, but this too can help lower your heating costs. There is a little switch on the side of the fan motor’s housing that will change the direction of the blades. Switch yours so that it is spinning clockwise and keep it on the lowest setting when a room is occupied. When the warm air rises to the top of the room, the ceiling fan will help to move some of it back down.
We Are Proud of the Company We Keep
William E. Kingswell has remained a distinguished provider of commercial and residential heating and cooling services since 1937. We have provided an unmatched level of customer service to all of our clients, and we enjoy being the preferred HVAC equipment distributor of countless customers. We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality heat pumps, boilers, unit heaters, HVAC accessories, and more. William E. Kingswell works with businesses and homeowners throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including Baltimore, Frederick, Annapolis, Fairfax, Manassas, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach, and Leesburg. To learn more about our extensive range of SpacePak, Concord, Allied Commercial, and Bard HVAC equipment, give us a call at 301-937-1900 or contact us today!
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