How to Lower Your Heater Bill This Winter

With the winter comes expenses. While the most obvious might be the cost of seasonal gifts, another drain on your wallet can be your heating bill. Sure, wearing sweaters and flannel jammies inside can be enjoyable and even keep you warm for a time, there will come a point where you have to turn on the heater. This modern convenience does not have to be so costly a luxury, though. We have some great tips on how to keep warm this winter without breaking the bank.

Waste Not

Chances are, you are already doing things in your home that produce heat this winter. From baking delicious, seasonal goodies in the oven to cooking tasty stews and chili on the stovetop, the winter calls for warming up the kitchen. Do not let that heat go to waste. Keep windows and doors shut to make sure that warmth has time to circulate through the house – or at least the living spaces on the same floor. Showers can have a surprising warming effect as well. After a long, warm shower, let the steam work its way through the house to bring the temp up a degree or two. Make sure you avoid the ventilation fan for this method. The fan will eliminate all that hot air you are trying to keep around.

Case of the Flue

Windows and doors are not the only way your heat might escape. If you are not using the fireplace, be sure to shut the flue. This will help warm air from being pulled up and out of your home. In fact, closing the flue at the beginning of the winter months can be a great proactive measure, given the number of annual no burn days in this region. If you choose to use your fireplace on a day when burning is allowed, be sure to remember to open the flue first.

Take This Down

You would be surprised how a few degrees can make a big difference with your bill – without you even noticing the change. Consider turning down the thermostat a few degrees. You might not notice the difference, but it could shave 5 to 10 percent off your bill. If you are truly concerned you will notice any drop in temp, practice this method when you know you will be gone for extended periods of time, such as going to work for the day. You will get all the savings without actually being there to experience the temp drop. This is made even easier with a programmable thermostat. Initially, they can be costly, but they will save you money in the long run. The same technique can be used on the water heater. Dropping the temp on your water heater from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can have similar effects on your bill.

Inspector Detector

Even if you are doing everything right, you might still have a leak that is letting your precious warmth right out the door. An easy way to determine if this is the case is with a little detective work. Light a candle and hold the flame near windows, doors and light fixtures. If the smoke moves horizontally, you have an air leak. If so, consider some additional caulking, weather-stripping or insulation to solve the problem. Be sure to inspect your heating system filters, too. Clogged up, dirty filters are less effective and lead to increased costs.

At GCD, we go out of our way to ensure your home is built with standards that will help keep your utility costs low. With such building features as 2×6 construction, for additional insulation, and energy-efficient appliance, we take every step to make your home as green as possible. Construction can only do so much, though, so be sure to take these tips into consideration this winter. You might be surprised how much you save!