9 Tips to Lower Your Heating Bill this Winter

Ever-rising energy costs have made it more expensive to heat your home this winter. While you have no control over how much your utility company charges, you can make plenty of small changes to lower your heating bill this winter.

1. Adjust the thermostat: Every degree you lower the heat saves you 1 to 3 percent on your heating bill. Dress warmly, and you can set the thermostat to 70 degrees or lower while at home.
2. Install a programmable thermostat: This affordable upgrade pays for itself by allowing you to set the temperature back while away and sleeping. Then, a programmed recovery period ensures you arrive home or wake up to a comfortable interior, allowing you to save up to 10 percent on your heating bills without sacrificing comfort.
3. Close the fireplace damper: There’s nothing cozier than a fire on a chilly winter night. However, heat escapes up the chimney if you leave the damper open, so close it once the last smoldering embers are extinguished.
4. Turn off spot ventilation when no longer needed: Kitchen and bathroom fans improve indoor air quality, but they wastefully exhaust heated air when left on too long. To minimize waste, turn them off after about 15 minutes.
5. Adjust the water heater temperature: The default water heater temperature is 140 degrees, but you can save on water heating costs by lowering this to 120 degrees. This adjustment also reduces the risk of scalding at the tap, an important benefit if you have young children or older adults living with you.
6. Don’t block air vents: Good circulation requires your supply vents to be free of obstructions, so keep at least 80 percent of them open at all times. Then, make sure all return vents are unblocked by rugs, curtains, and furniture.
7. Let the sunshine in: Open the curtains on south- and west-facing windows so the sun can heat your home for free during the day. Then, remember to close the curtains again at night to take advantage of their insulating capabilities. Thick, layered curtains provide the best insulation.
8. Stop air leaks: Check the weatherstripping and caulking around your windows and doors. If they are degrading, replace them. Adjust the door sweeps on exterior doors as well, and install foam gaskets in electrical outlets and light switch plates located on exterior walls.
9. Maintain your furnace: Help your furnace run smoothly by replacing the filter every month. Then, schedule annual furnace maintenance with a licensed HVAC technician every fall.The heating services from Parley’s PPM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are designed to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your thermostat, install a new furnace, or schedule heating repair, we’ve got you covered. Count on us for quality HVAC products and unbeatable customer service. To request a visit, please call 801-877-2184 if you live in Utah County, or reach us at 801-877-2536 if you’re a Salt Lake County resident. You can also contact us online with any questions you have.