Posted: December 16, 2024
No one wants to be in the situation of spending more money than they need to, and this time of the year is rife with opportunities to overspend. You might find yourself overdoing the holiday shopping a bit or spending too much on meals out with family and friends.
Then there’s the cost to heat your home, which can feel like it gets higher every year. When temperatures plummet in Ulster County, and elsewhere in New York’s Hudson Valley and the Capital Region, your boiler or furnace may need to work overtime. But there are some relatively simple ways to help your heating equipment run more efficiently. This can help you save money on energy costs while keeping you and your family warm.
In this article, we’ll take you through six easy steps that Main-Care Energy recommends to lower your winter energy bills.
Did you know there’s a switch on your ceiling fan that will change the blade direction? In the cooler months, you can set your fan to run clockwise at a low speed. It pushes warm air down, so you can lower your thermostat without feeling chilly. This little trick can save you around 2% on your heating bill each year!
Your furnace or boiler has to work extra hard all season if your home’s warmth sneaks outside. Before the snowflakes start to fall and temperatures drop, it’s a great idea to check your home for any air leaks. You can seal them up with door sweeps, weatherstripping and caulk.
Do you have a forced-air setup like central A/C or a furnace at home? During peak heating and cooling months, you’ll want to check your air filter every month. A dirty filter can impede your airflow, make your furnace overwork and lower your home’s air quality. If it’s been a while since you last checked your furnace air filter, now’s a good time to take a peek and either clean it or swap it out if needed.
Looking to save on heating bills but still stay cozy when you’re home and awake? Here’s a tip: set your thermostat back by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day, and you could save up to 10%! A programmable thermostat can make these adjustments for you when you’re sleeping or out of the house.
Even better, you can add a smart thermostat that allows you to adjust your temperatures remotely and makes energy-saving adjustments on its own. When Main-Care Energy installs a new heating system for you, we will provide you with a smart thermostat that links with the Main-Care Connect app!
Let the sun do the heavy lifting—open those blinds and curtains on sunny afternoons to give your home heating equipment a break! Think of it as a free natural heating system courtesy of Mother Nature. And if you’ve got shrubs or branches blocking those warming rays, it’s time for a trim.
Arranging annual maintenance will keep your home’s heating equipment running as efficiently as possible and minimize the chance of an unexpected breakdown. When you protect your system with a Main-Care Energy Home Protection Plan, you’ll be assured of annual preventative care, plus a range of other benefits. You’ll reap the benefits of added energy efficiency, lower fuel bills and better heating reliability.
Is it time for your heating system to get its annual tune-up? Contact our dedicated team to arrange service.
