It can be challenging to budget for home heating costs. They can vary from one winter to another. Even if it is a mild winter, no one really likes to spend the extra money. If it happens to be a cold and long winter, then energy costs can be very expensive. While you may not be able to control the winter weather, you will be able to reduce your energy costs. This article discusses some of the best ways that you can reduce your energy use and save money during the winter.
Home Insulation
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Most older homes were not built with energy efficiency in mind. Therefore, you may need to put up extra layers of insulation. You should especially be sure that you insulate your attic. There are many types of insulation to choose from including slag wool, foam, fiberglass and cellulose. When picking from a selection of available insulation materials, the Insulation Contractors Association of America or ICAA suggests taking a look at the R-values. Pick the one with the higher values. Make sure that these values are in accordance with the American Society of Testing and Materials or ASTM’s set standards. When insulation is installed properly, homeowners can reduce their heating costs by up to 50 percent.
Weather Stripping
Check your doors, windows, other openings and crevices and spread some weather stripping as cold air can seep in through these areas and make your heating systems work harder to get the right temperature. Get your home evaluated by energy experts as they have tools needed to seek out any potential air leaks, such as blowers and infrared cameras. After finding the problem spots, you can use drywall, house wrap, caulk, reinforced vinyl, tape, felt and foam sealants to close those cracks. Because you can only apply weather stripping on dry surfaces, this process should be performed before the cold season begins.
Controllable Thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat can help reduce heating costs, especially during the winter season. You can set the temperature to suit your needs. Lowering the temperature by 7-10 degrees inside the home while you are away can give you savings of up to 10 percent.
LED Lamps
LED lights are more energy efficient especially when compared to fluorescent bulbs. According to the US Department of Energy, between LEDs and incandescent bulbs LED lights are more energy efficient, by as much as 75 percent. Plus, compared to incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, LED lights are hardier. Given the option, go for LED bulbs that are attached to the IoT, or the internet of things, as the IoT lets you control the settings using a mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone.
Doors And Windows
More energy efficient doors and windows are now available on the market. Look for products with the Energy Star stamp. They are designed and built specifically to reduce heat loss. Data taken from the US Environmental Protection Agency or EPA indicates that using these energy efficient alternatives can give you savings of up to 12 percent annually.
Heating System
Get a professional to look into your existing heating system . A professional HVAC company will be able to get your system running at peak performance. They will use their trained eye to inspect areas such as:
- The flue system
- Electrical wiring
- Control box
- Fan belt
- Drain lines
- Vent system
- Heat exchanger
They will also clean these parts and replace any defective parts. By maintaining your heating system, you will notice a significant reduction on your home heating costs.
Water Heating System
Replace water heaters that are older than 10 years. The newer models on the market are more energy efficient. Some models are designed to heat up only the amount of water being used. They do not need to heat up all of the water stored inside the tank.
Heating System Tune-up Warwick PA
When you follow these steps, you will enjoy a reduction on your energy bills. Furthermore, your home will be more environmentally friendly since you will be reducing your carbon footprint. Your heating system’s health plays a major role when it comes to how much energy it uses to keep your home comfortable. This is why it is important to schedule a annual heater tune-up. A tune-up will make your system run more efficiently and therefore, it will reduce your home heating costs. Be sure that you contact an experienced heating contractor to maintain your heating system.
Your heating system needs to be maintained by a professional HVAC contractor. Contact Princeton Heating & Air Conditioning. We have a long history of offering high quality HVAC services. Our technicians are all Nate-certified and have the proper training required to care for your heating system. We are among the few providers in NJ to hold a Carrier Presidents Award Dealer distinction. We also offer heating oil delivery services. PFO has perfect HVAC maintenance and repair plans to make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. Be sure to contact us today to schedule a heating system tune-up to get your heater in shape in time for the winter.
We service Hatboro PA 19040, Horsham PA 19044, Huntingdon Valley PA 19006, Jamison PA 18929, Richboro PA 18954, Southampton PA 18966, Warminster PA 18974, Warrington PA 18976, and Willow Grove PA 19090.
Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!