In Ohio, we’re having a colder winter than has been the rule for recent few years. And a bit more snow. We’ve had reports from several of our neighbors in the Canal Winchester area have complained about outrageous increases in their utility bills. The following are some of our favorite tips on keeping your home comfortable and warm without needing to refinance to foot the bill. Check it out, give them a try and hopefully your next utility bill will be a little more affordable.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
The US Department of Energy says you can save about 10 percent per year by lowering the setting on your thermostat by about 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours each day. Studies show that we sleep better in a cool room; so by lowering the thermostat you’ll improve sleep and get a double benefit (assuming you spend a combined minimum of 8 hours or more in bed and away at work each day) with the cost savings on your heat bill.
Program That Thermostat
No reason to do all the hard work yourself… let technology help by installing a programmable thermostat, or even better, a smart thermostat. Part of the Internet of Things (IOT), Smart Thermostats can be controlled from virtually anywhere with a smartphone app. If you’re really want to take advantage, get a WiFi Thermostat that you can control from your phone.
The major benefit would be especially apparent if your schedule changes. For example, let’s say you have your thermostat lowered while you are at work, but you decide to leave work early. You can turn up the thermostat manually from your App and your home will be toasty by the time you arrive!
Routine Heating System Maintenance
We recommend routine maintenance on your home’s HVAC equipment at least once per year; in the fall for heating equipment, in the spring for central air. If it’s been several years, or even one year since you’re have service, your furnace could be working harder trying to keep up with demand because of accumulated dirt in the system. In addition, a regular tune-up and safety check on your HVAC system will catch small problems before they become large ones.
Clean Your Heat and AC Registers
Your home’s heating equipment works best when there’s an unobstructed flow of air through your vents and cold air returns. Clean those vents routinely to remove dust and debris. Be sure that your vents aren’t block by furniture, rugs, or other objects.
Bundle Up
Instead of running around in your skivvies while you’re at home, try wearing warmer clothing, like sweatshirts, sweaters, your pajamas, and so on. And, we like to keep stadium blankets handy in the living room rather than turning up the thermostat. That little extra layer of blanket while you’re reading or watching TV in the evening can really help.
Maximize Your Ceiling Fan’s Effect in Winter
Flip the little switch on the side of your ceiling fan so your fan turns clockwise, and run the fans on low speed in rooms that are occupied. This will circulate the warmest air from the ceiling back down to the floor. We recommend ceiling fans with remote controls (or SmartPhone apps) so you can easily turn them off when the room is empty.
Use Solar Energy, Just Like Your Pet
Ever notice how our pets like to stretch out in front of a sunny window to warm themselves on a cool winter day? Those pets are actually pretty clever. Open the blinds on the sunny side of the house, and close them on the dark side. This will allow those rays to brighten the house and warm it.
Surviving an Ohio winter doesn’t have to be unbearable, from a temperature or financial perspective. Implement these tips right away and you’ll start seeing immediate benefits. If you haven’t had service on your HVAC system within a year, we recommend our Furnace Tune-Up and Safety Check. Visit our DEALS page for a discount coupon on getting this service done. And you can save even more by investing in an annual Service Maintenance Agreement.
Call Canal Winchester’s Best Furnace Repair Contractor
When you’re ready to have your home’s heating and cooling system serviced by a professional HVAC contractor, contact central Ohio’s most reliable Furnace Repair service, Canal Winchester Heating & Cooling. Use our convenient online form to schedule a visit, or for immediate service call (614) 524-4737
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