As the cold season approaches, now is the best time to prepare for the winter. There are many steps that you can take in order to do this. Not only will this ensure that your house stays warm and cozy when it is freezing cold outside but it also helps lower your home heating costs. In the following article by KAMR Local 4 News, they discuss some great ways you can start out your winter prep-work:
How to Conserve Energy and Save Money in the Winter Months
No matter what type of system you have, whether it’s gas or electric, now is the perfect time to have it checked out to make sure everything is running efficiently, before it gets too cold outside.
“Now is the best time, because we’re not overwhelmed,” Graham said. “When it turns cold, we become overwhelmed and it becomes an issue. Be proactive. Check your system.”
While we’re dealing with cool mornings and warm afternoons now, winter will be here before you know it, and with the upcoming winter months, if you prepare now, you might be able to save a few bucks.
First, look into getting a digital thermostat and set it back when you’re not at home, but don’t go overboard.
“Some people shut their units off completely, and thats the worst thing you could do,” Graham said.
“It takes a lot more energy for it to catch back up to where you want it,” Technician Josh Davidson said. “It’s actually cheaper just to let it stay where you want it all day long than to have it try and catch up.”
Next, check your filters and your system to make sure they’re clean, inside your house and out. To read the full KAMR 4 Local News article, click here.
You can make sure that your heating system is running at its best by following the steps above. Having your system maintained before it gets extremely cold outside and changing your air filters will make a huge difference in your home heating costs. Additionally, there are some other simple ways that you can make your house feel warm and cozy. In the following article titled, “Fall and Winter Energy-Saving Tips“, by Energy.Gov, they discuss some other useful ways that you can cut down on your home heating costs this winter:
Fall and Winter Energy-Saving Tips
If you haven’t already, conduct an energy assessment to find out where you can save the most, and consider making a larger investment for long-term energy savings.
Take Advantage Of The Heat From The Sun
- Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
Cover Drafty Windows
- Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
- Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.Find out about other window treatments and coverings that can improve energy efficiency.
These steps are simple and can make a huge difference in your heating bill. Aside from having your system maintained so that it is running in optimal shape, there are many DIY steps that you can take to reduce your home heating costs. In the following article by Pressconnects, they talk about some easy DIY tips to save money on your heating expenses this winter:
How to save on home heating costs
Do it yourself
Something as simple as a $5 tube of caulking around a drafty door frame, or $15 for clear plastic window sheets can go a long way toward making a home warmer and cheaper to heat, according to Archie Resue, director of Tioga Opportunities’ Energy Resources, in Owego.
“The little stuff that you may think doesn’t matter, doesn’t take a lot of time, you’d really be surprised at the difference it can make,” Resue said.
- Set your thermostat as low as comfortable, and invest in a programmable thermostat if possible.
- Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as needed.
- Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.
- During winter, keep the draperies and shades open on your south-facing windows during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home, and closed at night to reduce the chill.
- If you replace your heating system, consider purchasing ENERGY STAR® labeled equipment, properly sized and installed by a professional.
This section was originally found on the “Pressconnects” website which can be viewed here.
The steps are easy for anyone to do and can take a very small amount of time to complete. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce your home heating expenses and enjoy the savings elsewhere.
To further reduce your home heating costs, you can find the best home heating oil prices in your area. If you are looking for an oil dealer, Charity Oil only partners with reputable, licensed dealers who provide top-notch service and discount prices. Charity Oil donates five cents for every gallon of fuel people buy to a charitable fund.
This provides an easy way for customers to support charities each time they order fuel. At the same time, Charity Oil’s system helps people find affordable fuel suppliers they can trust.
To get started with your online fuel order, please click here. This will begin the registration process. The best part is that you can order your home heating oil online, 24/7! Contact us today or give us a call at (845) 470-1000 if you have any questions.