When temperatures drop in Virginia Beach, it is up to your heating unit to keep your home comfortable. However, heating your home can be a costly expense. Homeowners should never have to choose between comfort and cost when it comes to staying warm in the winter, which is why we are here to help! In this blog, we will discuss 5 simple ways to lower your heating bill this winter in Virginia Beach.
Keep Your Heating Costs Low With These Tips!
Staying warm in your home shouldn’t break the bank each winter. No matter the heating system your home utilizes, you can lower heating costs with proper home maintenance and upkeep. Below we have listed five tips to keep heating costs low.
- Install A Smart Thermostat
- Open Curtains & Blinds
- Utilize Ceiling Fan
- Schedule Heating Maintenance
- Seal Air Leaks
Install A Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are an easy way to keep utility bills low in every season. The home devices can monitor temperature preferences, personal schedules, and the current weather conditions to heat your home accordingly. The program settings in smart thermostats alter the temperature when you are home or asleep, which cuts down on energy costs. Additionally, smart thermostats can be controlled on all smart devices for your convenience. According to Energy Star, smart thermostats average saving 8% on heating and cooling bills.
Open Curtains & Blinds
An easy and cost effective way to save money on heating bills is by allowing the sun to naturally heat your home. During the day, we recommend opening curtains and blinds to let sunlight enter your home. This process can increase heat gain naturally and allow you to lower your thermostat setting. The lower your thermostat temperature, the more you will save in the winter season. Be sure to close curtains and blinds at night to keep in the warm air!
Utilize Ceiling Fan
Did you know that your ceiling fan has a setting for both summer and winter? In the winter, ceiling fans can create an upward draft and relocate warm air trapped near the ceiling. The warm air can be distributed throughout your home and allow you to turn the thermostat down without feeling a temperature difference. To change your ceiling fan setting, locate a small switch typically on the motor housing. Ceiling fans in winter mode will spin clockwise, while summer mode will rotate counterclockwise. However, ceiling fans can only provide comfort in occupied rooms. Be sure to turn off ceiling fans when you leave a room to continue saving on energy costs.
Schedule Heating Maintenance
The best way to maintain low heating costs is to regularly schedule heating maintenance. High utility bills can be due to underlying issues causing the heating system to work harder. A Galactic technician can inspect and repair any issues each season to prevent future problems from arising. A properly working heating system will use less energy and keep heating bills low!
Seal Air Leaks
Heating costs can be expensive, which is why it is important to keep warm air inside and cold air outside. Warm air could be escaping through leaks in windows, doors, and other places around your home. If air is escaping, your heating unit works harder to make up for the lost warm air. This process uses more energy and raises heating costs. We recommend sealing air leaks by caulking or weather stripping. This method is a cost effective and simple way to maximize your home comfort and keep money in your pocket. According to the EPA, sealing leaks and insulating can save up to 15% on heating costs.
Additionally, air can escape through leaks inside ductwork. Leaking ducts make it hard for your heating unit to effectively distribute heat around your home. A Galactic Air technician can inspect your ductwork and repair leaks or other issues as needed. Ductwork services in Virginia Beach can also increase efficiency and indoor air quality.
Additional ways to keep heating costs low in Virginia Beach:
- Maintain a clean air filter
- Add insulation
- Clean air vents
- Lower thermostat
Let us help keep money in your piggy bank this winter with these five tips. If you are in need of heating repair or experience a heating unit breakdown, give us a call! Our trained technicians can quickly repair and restore your home comfort.
