Fall & Winter Heating Costs: Ways to Save

It’s no secret that the high cost of heating your home in the fall and winter months can drain out your bank account. As the cost of living continues to climb, you’ve got to be proactive to save on household expenses wherever you can.

We’ve put together a list of low-effort cost saving measures that can get you big results when it comes to reducing your heating costs.

Use the Ceiling Fan

Even though the temperatures are dropping, keep that ceiling fan circulating, although in a clockwise direction. Hot air rises and the ceiling fan is a cost-effective tool to help your rooms heat evenly. This makes your furnace have to produce less heat, which is a bonus for your heating budget.

Time for Furnace Maintenance

Your furnace has been switched off for months, and now is working hard to keep you comfortable at home. It only makes sense to ensure that all of its parts and components are in good shape. Your furnace functions by converting energy (gas, electricity, etc.) to heat and regular maintenance can boost your system’s efficiency.

Stop the Drafts

Make sure your windows are airtight by checking the seals around them. You can easily repair any growing cracks with a caulking gun. Don’t let them grow; you’re literally letting money fly away by letting warm air escape.

Another option is to apply film on the windows. One of the most effective and inexpensive methods is to use a heat shrink film. You attach it to the window frame with double-sided tape and then adhere it directly to the window itself by using a hair dryer to heat it.

Stop Warm Air from Flowing out the Chimney

Your fireplace can be a huge source of heat loss if you’re not careful. A chimney balloon traps warm air as it rises, sending it back down into your home while preventing cold air drafts from entering. Another effective method is to make sure that the damper is securely closed when your fireplace isn’t in use.

Pull Back the Drapes

Harness solar power simply by leaving your curtains open during the day. That sunlight streaming in will help boost the temperature in your room quite a bit.

Raise the Threshold

Is there a gap between your exterior doors and the threshold? This happens over time because of the elements, shifting of the foundation or because of renovations. You can close the gap simply by installing a piece of adjustable threshold, making the doorframe flush with the threshold.

How old is your furnace? There have been many advances in the last few years with energy efficient heating systems. It might be the right time to invest in an upgrade to save you money on heating. Call Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, in East Lansing, MI, today at (517)-339-6300 for more information.