Are you tired of paying hundreds of dollars each month in heating costs during the winter? There are several different things you can do to lower your heating costs this winter. With the upcoming winter expected to be one of the largest Utah has seen in years, controlling your heating costs is more important than ever. Here are some ways you can lower your utility costs this winter.
Choke the Chimney
If you have a chimney it can easily lead to problems with heat escaping from your home. The fireplace is terrible as it typically sucks up about 24,000 cubic feet of furnace-heated air up your chimney every hour. If you use the chimney, turn the thermostat down and crack a window in the room so it doesn’t take too much warm air from the rest of the home.
Seal Air Leaks
All those overlooked cracks in the home can lead to serious problems related to air leaks. Use sealant to prevent air from getting in around the windows and doors that are causing your heating bill to increase. Not only do you want to look at the windows and doors, but look at the plumbing as it too can lead to problems. If you seal all the leaks around the home, you can save up to 10 percent on your heating bills.
Replace the Windows
Do you have an older home with single pane windows? You should consider replacing the windows if you can afford it. Another option is to consider using a window kit that contains plastic sheeting that looks similar to saran wrap. The plastic sheeting will stretch over the windows, mimicking a double paned window. Adding the saran wrap styled material can increase the R-value by up to 90 percent.
Insulate Your Home
Another important thing you can do to reduce the heating costs is to add insulation around the electrical work, plumbing, and in the attic. Expanding-foam sealants are one of the best options as they help to reduce small areas where air is leaking out of your home. Adding insulation to the attic can reduce heat that escapes from the home. An energy audit of your home is a great way to find out where heat is escaping through the cracks.
Maintain Your HVAC System
The most important thing you can do to reduce energy costs is to maintain your HVAC system. Genuine Comfort provides annual examinations of your home’s heating system to ensure it is working properly. If the furnace is getting older, we will test it for several issues to make sure it doesn’t increase your heating bill by working too hard. A cracked or broken line in the furnace can lead to serious problems including carbon monoxide poisoning. We test for loose fan belts, soot buildup, lubricated and dusty fans, flickering pilot lights, and other common issues. Getting your furnace checkup on a regular basis is the best way to avoid serious issues.
Turn off Appliances
Do you have a number of appliances plugged in that you aren’t using? You can shrink your energy costs by unplugging appliances that you are not using. Consider replacing your refrigerator, microwave, and other appliances that consume a large amount of energy.
If you have tried the above tips to reduce your energy bill, and you are still dealing with expensive costs and a cold home, call Genuine Comfort today. We will test your furnace for gas leaks and help identify areas where you are losing money within your home. Call 801-296-6059 to schedule your appointment today.
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