As the winter months roll in and the landscape starts to get frosty, your energy bill naturally increases. Heating makes up nearly half of the average family home’s energy costs.
For that reason, we’ve prepared six tips on how to save energy on heating so you can make intelligent choices, keep everyone warm, and save money. Contact the indoor air quality experts in Tampa today to shore up your home and learn how to save energy on heating.
While this tip is so straightforward it may sound a little silly, developing new use habits can drastically decrease your monthly energy bill. You don’t need to send your home into a mini ice age, but setting your thermostat a few degrees Fahrenheit cooler can net you substantial long-term savings.
Pairing nicely with the tip mentioned above, wearing warm sweaters, socks, and other pieces of clothing will allow you to more comfortably lower the temperature throughout the day. Likewise, you can get away with setting the thermostat a few degrees cooler overnight if you bundle or simply use thick blankets. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, families can save 10% on their energy bills just by lowering their thermostats 10-15 degrees for eight hours a day.
Have you ever wondered why your cat or dog spends so much of their day lying in sunbeams? The sun presents a phenomenal source of heat – and it’s free!
Open your blinds, curtains, and shutters from sundown to sunset and take advantage of the greenhouse effect. Your home will take advantage of the natural heat source and retain that heat through to the evening.
By caulking and weatherstripping your home, you can seal off critical areas where you’re losing heat (and, therefore, money). Both caulking and weatherstripping will yield you tremendous savings to the point where they will pay for themselves by the end of a year.
Caulk cracks and other openings, such as the spaces where your doors and windows meet the walls on their sides. Weatherstripping works for any movable fixture, like a door or window sashes. You may be surprised how much of your home you could still fortify and prepare for winter.
Thoroughly examine your attic and basement while checking for leaks, as these sometimes unfinished parts of your home can be the leading culprits of escaping heat. Foam and caulk can do a lot of the heavy lifting, but in some cases where larger holes have developed, you may want to replace installation.
Electrical outlets, light fixtures, AC units, and insulation can all leak cold air into your home. Because these leaks can be tricky to spot unless you catch a draft at the right moment, you should call a professional technician to diagnose where your problem lies and fix it for you.
While excellent at providing alternative heat, even a fireplace can leak air when you don’t use it. Plug and seal your chimney flue, primarily if you never use the fireplace.
A faulty or older heater could be your most significant issue. Want to find reasons for heater’s burning smell? Contact Tampa specialists today to get to the bottom of your heating problems.
Smart thermostats automatically adjust to preset temperatures in your home to maximize energy efficiency. Connected to your home’s Wi-Fi, your smart thermostat will learn your family’s habits and preferences and generate a schedule that adjusts your home's temperature on the fly. These settings work when you’re asleep, when you’re active throughout the day, and even when you’re away.
In Tampa, FL, the Smart Thermostat program allows you to get a rebate of up to $4,500 for installing a smart thermostat. Ask your local heating company how much you can receive today and how to save energy on heating by making the switch to a smart thermostat.
The number one way to solve your heating issues is by getting professional technicians to your home so you can make sure the problem is handled correctly. Sun Air Services, heating system repair in Tampa, can diagnose the source of your heating problems and start saving you money immediately; call (813) 684-9919 today to learn how to save energy on heating.