5 Proven Ways to Lower Your Heating Costs
As temperatures go down, heating bills often go up! Meyer & Depew has 5 recommendations to help lower your energy bills this season, so you can stay warm while reducing heating costs.
1. Lower Your Costs with Thermostat and Heat Management
Save on heating costs when you’re not home. Programmable thermostats like the ecobee allow you to specifically indicate what times of the day you would like your home heated. According to a study from EnergyHub, each degree of heat used can account for about 5% of your energy cost. Make the most out of your heat by programming your thermostat to reduce the temperature while you are away from home. Also consider setback-savings while you’re sleeping. These few steps will pay you dividends.
Heating distribution is another important consideration. Do you have a child away at college, a guest room that’s not being used or a bathroom that’s infrequently visited? Consider closing the vents that circulate heat into these rooms. By adjusting heating pathways, your home heating system will efficiently deliver heating where it’s needed most instead of wasting energy and money on spaces that aren’t being used.
2. Replace Your Heating System’s Air Filters Every 2-3 Months
Every bit of heat that passes through your vents first passes through your home heating system’s air filters. Be sure to check your air filters for any damage or buildup to ensure that you’re getting the most from your heat. Dirty air filters can make it harder for your furnace to push hot air through your home. Even worse, they could be sending harmful toxins or allergens into your air. If you have any sensitivity to dust or have other allergies, also consider getting a higher-grade allergen-resistant air filter. This will not only make your home heating more efficient, but it will also improve the quality of life, as cleaner, more refreshing air will begin to circulate in your home. Standard 1” filters should be replaced every 2-3 months. High-performing 4” filters can last 6 months or longer.
3. Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan Depending on the Season
To help warm the air during the winter, your ceiling fan should run in the clockwise (reverse) direction at a low speed. (Check your fan settings) This will draw the room air up towards the ceiling and force the warm air back down in an outward direction towards the walls, which provides a gentle flow of air that produces a warmer environment. During the summer, your ceiling fan should run in the counterclockwise (forward) direction. This will force the room air down, which gives a cooling wind effect.
4. Get a Yearly Heating Tuneup
A seasonal heating tune-up is a simple step that can make a big difference. It helps prevent costly breakdowns, keeps your home safe from harmful gases, and ensures your system runs efficiently—saving you money on energy bills. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of your heating system, giving you peace of mind all winter long. Catching small issues early and improving performance now can help you avoid chilly days, emergency repairs, and unexpected expenses later. Stay ahead of the cold with a quick, preventative heating check.
5. Install an Energy-efficient Heating System to Lower Heating Costs
If your heating system is over 12 years old, it would be worth your time to consider replacing your old furnace with a new energy-efficient system. By making the switch, not only will you immediately save on your heating costs, but you can also have the peace of mind that your home is using less energy and is more environmentally friendly.
We hope these tips help keep your winter heating costs down.
If you have any questions about Energy Efficient Heating Installation or Heating Safety Checks in NJ, contact Meyer & Depew using the form on this page or simply call 908-272-2100!