Stay Warm and Spend Less This Winter!
Many homeowners have come to expect their energy bills to go up every winter. It’s only natural – the colder it gets outside, the more they’ll have to run the heater to keep the place comfy and warm. But there’s no reason to be completely at the mercy of the utility company when the colder weather hits.
Homeowners can reduce their utility bills by using their heater a little less and improving their heating system’s energy efficiency while keeping the home nice and toasty. So read on to learn three easy ways to save money on heating costs – without sacrificing comfort!
Use Ceiling Fans More (And the Heater Less)
One great way to reduce the heating bill is to use the home’s ceiling fans to help distribute warmth. It may seem counterintuitive—aren’t ceiling fans used to cool things down? Well, it all depends on the direction the blades are spinning and how fast they’re moving.
If the blades are set to spin counterclockwise (when viewed from below), they’ll push air down to create a cool breeze. But when they spin clockwise, they create an updraft, pushing the warm air that naturally rises across the ceiling and back down along the walls. This allows homeowners to recycle the heater's heat, which generally means they can turn the thermostat down a few degrees (reducing energy usage) and still feel warm.
Of course, homeowners should keep the ceiling fan on a low-speed setting to avoid creating a draft. Those without ceiling fans should consider installing them, as they’re a relatively low-cost investment that can help reduce energy consumption in both the winter and summer.
Replace the Air Filters Regularly
Another tip for lower energy bills is to stay on top of air filter replacement. As furnace filters collect dust, debris, and other airborne pollutants, they become less permeable, hindering the air handler’s ability to pull air through them. This can reduce efficiency dramatically – which is why it’s the first thing HVAC repair technicians check when a heater or furnace is acting up.
A clean air filter allows the heating system to do its job more efficiently, so less energy is wasted. However, regular air filter replacement also helps reduce wear and tear on the unit, improve system performance and indoor air quality, and prolong the heating system’s lifespan. So, the simple act of replacing the furnace air filters once every 1-3 months is one of the most effective ways to save money on both energy and repair costs!
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Last but not least, homeowners can enjoy major savings on their monthly energy bills by installing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats are loaded with features designed to help improve energy efficiency and make home comfort more convenient and effortless.
Virtually every smart thermostat model can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or other mobile device, so homeowners don’t have to worry about overheating an empty home while they’re away for the holidays. Some models even have occupancy sensors for this reason. Many smart thermostats can “learn” the household’s usage habits and make a more efficient schedule by tweaking the temperature at certain times – others simply suggest these energy-saving changes.
In some cases, a smart thermostat can save homeowners up to 12% on their annual heating costs (and possibly even more on their cooling costs). Of course, this will depend on the model of thermostat they choose, their climate, and the extent to which they utilize the thermostat’s features. But considering the relatively low cost of smart thermostat installation and the potential for reduced energy bills, smart thermostats often pay for themselves within a few years!
About Davis Heating & Cooling
The family-owned and operated Davis Heating & Cooling has served the Flemington community with pride for years. With their outstanding customer service, unbeatable 10-year parts & labor warranty, money-saving membership program, and 100% satisfaction guarantee, it’s no surprise they have hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google, Angi, and Facebook. Their trustworthy, licensed, and insured staff is available 24/7 to help with any heating crisis that may arise, so don’t hesitate to call Davis for smart thermostat services in Flemington, NJ!
