How To Lower Your Winter Heating Bill

Since you may spend more time indoors, like most Americans these days, sometimes your electricity bill may increase during the wintertime. Spending extra money during the holidays is probably the last thing you want to do. At Bowman Heating and Air, we understand. We created this list of simple things you can do around the house to lower your bill, and you’re utilizing the resources you consume in a smart way.

Wear Warmer Clothes and/or Blankets

Extra layers: the timeless way to stay warm! Sweaters, sweatpants, and wool socks provide extra comfort around the house. Comforters will keep you extra cozy at night. With the added warmth, you can turn down your thermostat a few notches and save.

Insulate Your Windows

During the winter, windows can be major culprits for escaping air and also cold air entering your home. At many hardware and retail stores, you can find polycarbonate sheeting. This sheeting can be used to temporarily seal your windows for winter. It’s cheap and produces drastic results.

Turn Down the Temperature When You’re Not Home

Just like you turn off lights (we hope) when you’re not using them, you should turn down the heat when you’re not using it. When you know you’ll be gone for an hour or longer, turn down the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees. If you make this a habit, you’ll see plenty of savings.

If you’d like to make the investment, purchase a programmable thermostat. You can customize the temperature to lower during times when you know the house is empty. While these are generally more expensive than a standard thermostat, you’ll see savings in the long run.

Change/Clean the Furnace Filter

Changing your furnace’s filter is like watering a plant: you have to keep up with it. When filters collect dust for too long, they become clogged. This greatly lowers your furnace’s efficiency and thus increases your energy bill. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to see how frequently your air filter should be changed.

Close Your Chimney Flue When Not In Use

Using your fireplace during the wintertime is a great way to keep warm––just remember to shut the flue after the fire is out. Hot air can escape through your chimney, since it’s an opening to your house just like any other. If you’re diligent about remembering this, you can save heat and money.

Decrease the Temperature of Your Water Heater
By default, water heaters are often set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you decrease the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, your water will still be hot, but you’ll pay less on your utility bill.

Invest in Space Heaters

If you only need a few rooms to be heated at a time, space heaters are a great option. They are much less expensive to use than a furnace. Instead of keeping the temperature throughout the house (and your bill) high, invest in a few space heaters and save.

Insulate Your Attic

As you may have learned in science class, heat rises. If your attic is drafty, and your roof isn’t insulated properly, you’re probably losing heat. You can check your attic yourself or have a professional run an analysis and determine which spots in your house need more insulation.

Schedule a Maintenance Inspection for Your Furnace

Maintenance inspections are a great investment in your furnace’s longevity. In addition to fixing any damages, your technician checks to be sure your furnace is running as efficiently as possible. If your furnace is running at peak efficiency, you’ll get the most out of your utility money this winter. Call Bowman Heating and Air of Petal, MS, today at 601-582-2336 to schedule an inspection.