Does the phrase "save money on heat" make you shiver every time you hear it? You might have grown up in a home where the temperature was kept low in order to keep heating bills low. Indeed, this is one way to save on heating costs. But what if you don't want to spend all winter with goosebumps? Here are some ways to lower your heating bills without being cold.
Change your air filter more often.
Have you noticed that your energy consumption becomes a little cyclical in the winter? Maybe you use very little energy for a few weeks, but then your energy use climbs up again. This cycle could coincide with you changing the air filter. As an air filter becomes more clogged with dirt and debris, it becomes harder for the furnace to force air through the filter, which means it consumes more energy in doing so. If you start changing your air filter monthly, the filter will not get dirty enough to have this effect, and your heating bills should stay lower overall.
Open all the vents.
Sometimes people close a vent or two, thinking there is no need to heat rooms they spend less time in. But this approach can backfire. Your duct system is designed for air to come out of all of your vents. If you close too many vents, it can cause too much pressure to build up inside your ducts, forcing your furnace to work against that pressure to circulate air. Opening the vents will keep the pressure low and reduce the amount of energy your furnace needs to burn.
Humidify the air.
When the air is more humid, it feels warmer. This is why 75 degrees F in a humid climate may feel hot, while 75 degrees F in a dry climate may feel comfortable. If you add humidity to your air, then you should be able to turn the thermostat down a degree or two without your home feeling any colder. If you have a whole-home humidifier already, simply adjust it up a few points. Alternatively, try using a vaporizer or diffuser to add moisture to the air.
If you add humidity to your air, change your air filter more often, and open all of your home's vents, then you will be in a position to use less heating energy this winter. You don't have to wear five sweaters to save on heat.
Contact a local HVAC service to learn more about heating maintenance.
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