Tired of high heating bills? Well, brace yourself because costs are on the rise again. Here are ways on how to beat rising heat costs.
Rising Home Heating Bills
Low income families are expected to get hit especially hard this winter as home heating costs increase for the second year in a row. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), reports the average cost of home heating will go up 17.2%, from $1,025 to $1,202.
This trend is making it more difficult for lower income families to be able to afford to heat their homes. NEADA Executive Director Mark Wolfe says millions of families risk falling behind on their energy bills and could be forced to choose between paying for rent, food or medicine.
Lower Your Energy BIll
Heat typically makes up more than 40-percent of a household utility bill. There are steps you can take to reduce the amount of heating fuel you use, lower your energy bill, and improve the efficiency of your home heating system.
Where Heat Loss Happens
No home is air-tight and warm air could get outside through cracks and crevices. Cold air can also seep into your house through small openings, leading to a loss of up to a one-quarter of your home’s heat. Areas of concern include windows, doors, fireplaces, the roof and floors. Windows that are left open even a crack can invite cold air inside.
Free Ways to Conserve Heat
If your house is chilly, bundle up. Wear layers of clothing and put socks on your feet. Curl up under a blanket. Throw one or two extra blankets on your bed at night so you can keep the thermostat down.
Open the shades, blinds or curtains during the day and let the sun warm up your home. Close them at night for an extra layer of insulation.
Close off rooms that are not being used and shut off the vents to conserve heat. Place a towel or draft blocker at the base of the door. Don’t let rooms dip down below 40 degrees, especially if there are water pipes in the walls.
Make sure all doors and windows are tightly closed and locked. Check along the sides and bottoms for air leaks.
Keep the thermostat down, especially at night. Lowering it by 10 degrees can lead to an annual savings of up to 10% on heating costs.
Inexpensive Ways to Lower Heat Costs
Get a home energy audit to reveal the areas in your home where you are losing heat. Before the winter season, change the furnace filter, which traps dust, pet hair and small particles. It can get very dirty over the winter when the heat is on and lower the efficiency of the furnace. Service your heating system regularly to keep your heating system functioning at its best. Install a smart thermostat. It allows you to adjust the temperature setting in your home, automatically lowering it while you are away or sleeping. Add insulation to the walls and attic of your home to keep the heat in.
Get a Home Heating Check Up
Will Air is a high-quality, residential and light commercial, heating and cooling company in Central Maryland. We specialize in HVAC systems, duct cleaning, and preventive planned maintenance.
We service hundreds of residential properties in Maryland, providing them with the best equipment
For their homes at the most affordable prices. Call us today at 410-549-9300 or go to our website to request a free estimate.