There are a number of small things you can do right now to help chip away at the overall amount of energy you use this winter. If done correctly, these small changes will lead to big savings. The key is taking the time to assess your needs and choosing the approach which best matches your goals while limiting your expenses.
Stay warm with these tips to saving money on your winter heating bills.
Have Your Heating System Cleaned and Checked Annually
This isn’t just about safety, its about preventative maintenance. You can catch the problem before your heating system stops working in the middle of the night or on the weekend. This will also ensure that your heating system is working at is optimum efficiency, providing you with the most heat for the least cost. Call us at TMS to set your appointment (it’s not too late!) and we’ll take care of everything.
Switch to a Tankless Water Heater
Another great way to save money on winter energy bills is by switching to a tankless water heater. A traditional water heater will waste an average of seven percent or more of the total water heating energy. This is because the cooler surrounding ambient temperature will draw energy and heat away from the water tank. A tankless water heater doesn’t suffer from this problem because the water is only heated as it is needed. EnergyStar estimates a tankless water heater will yield a savings of nearly $2000 in energy costs over the lifetime of the equipment compared to traditional storage models.
As an added cost-savings benefit, tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years which is significantly longer than any conventional tank water heaters currently on the market. Plus, leaks and water damage is no longer a potential risk because no water is stored in the heater.
Our professionals at Total Mechanical Systems can quote and install a tankless water heater quickly for you. Call us to set up an appointment for one of these highly efficient systems today!
(860) 314-1518 or (860) 421-3310
Change Your Furnace Filter
A clean filter is essential to making sure your heating system is running as efficiently as possible. They also are crucial to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. You should change your filter every 3-6 months. A dirty filter restricts air flow and causes your heating system to work harder than it needs to maintain a constant temperature.
Fix Drafty Doors & Windows
One of the most common issues is air leaks. It doesn’t matter if you are in a new house or an older one there is a good chance your warm air is sneaking outside through drafty doors and windows. Sealing these leaks is a quick and inexpensive way to immediately improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Dress Warmly Inside
Turn down the thermostat a few degrees and layer up. It can be nice to cuddle up and snuggle in blankets and sweaters on a cold winter’s night, and it will save you money at the end of the month.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fan
Another great tip is to reverse your ceiling fans in the winter. Most ceiling fans have a little switch on the motor that allows you to reverse the direction for which it spins. You can quickly change the direction of blades which will push air downward along the walls.
This is important because warm air rises and your ceiling fan is an easy way to redistribute it closer to the floor.
Utilize Area Rugs & Curtains
Area rugs and curtains are two more tools you can use to fight the winter chill. Area rugs effectively trap cold air underneath and prevent it from seeping up into your room. They also don’t feel cold on your feet, like tile or wood floors sometimes can.
Opening your curtains to allow the daylight to enter the room will help warm you up during the day. This allows the solar radiation to enter your living space, and help keep you warm. Be sure to close all curtains once the sun starts to set, as this will not only help keep the warm in, but also assist in keeping the cold air out.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is basically a thermostat that is programmable and has the ability to raise and lower the temperature in your home based on the schedule you’ve chosen for it. Some thermostats are so smart, that they actually learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly. Most smart thermostats are also wi-fi enabled, giving you the opportunity to adjust the schedule and temperature from your cell phone or tablet.
Saving Money Can Be Easy
Integrating space heaters, programmable thermostats and a tankless water heater into your energy conservation strategy are all inexpensive ways to save a significant amount of money this winter. Implementing these tips, you’ll be able to cut the amount of energy you need to keep your home warm and toasty all winter long.
