Below are five tips that will help you stay warmer this winter and help you save money on your heating bill! Although these tips are developed with the Barrie, Ontario, climate in mind they will help you save cash in any cold climate.
1. Get a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat can save you money by allowing your heating system to take a break when you are away, and keep you comfortable when you come back home. The way that a programmable thermostat saves you money is by allowing you to program the temperature so that y can keep your home warm only when you are actually there! If you leave during the day for work a programmable thermostat will allow you to turn your furnace off for most of the day and then have it come back on in time to heat the house back up when you get home!
2. Change your filter monthly
By regularly changing your furnace filter you will breathe cleaner air, and keep your furnace running smoothly. This will save your furnace from having to strain by forcing air through a clogged filter. With a clean filter always in your furnace your furnace will last longer, and this will save you the cost of replacing it prematurely.
3. Let the sunlight in
Why pay to heat your house when the sun will do it for you for free? Keep your blinds open during the day and take advantage of free natural heat.
4. Service your furnace annually
Annual furnace inspections and cleanings prevent your equipment from breaking down when you need it most. Dirt often collects in the electronic components of a furnace and getting a cleaning will remove the dust from these parts and keep your furnace running smooth!
5. Buy a high efficiency furnace
With a high efficiency furnace you can make drastic savings on your energy bills month after month. Within a few years you can pay for the cost of the unit with the energy costs you will save! You can also save money on your heating bill by turning your heat down a bit, and simply wearing warmer clothes. After a shower leave the washroom door open so that the moist, warm, shower air escapes and can heat up other rooms in your home. If you are going away from your house for an extended period of time turn your thermostat down when you leave.