How to Keep Heating Bills Low During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is here and that means lots of activity happening in your home. Family visiting, holiday parties and gatherings, Christmas lights and trying to fend off the cold air that has arrived. This time of year can also be an expensive time and the last thing you want is a high heating bill. We’ve put together a list of ways to pinch your pennies and keep your home warm without breaking the bank.
Seal Up Any Drafts.
If you can pull a dollar bill through your window or see a light shining from the other side, you may need to seal it up. Window frames, exterior doors, outlets, and attic access points can all be areas where warm air escapes. Use weatherstripping, door sweeps, or caulk to seal gaps. Even a small draft can force your HVAC system to work harder.
Use Your Thermostat Strategically
A programmable or “smart” thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature when you’re away. Turn it down 2-3 degrees if you’re leaving for the day or while you’re sleeping at night. Having your thermostat on a schedule takes the guesswork out for you and can significantly reduce your electric bill each month.
Change Your Filters.
This may seem obvious, but dirty or clogged air filters make it more difficult for the air to circulate through your home. This strain can cause undue cycling for your heat pump or furnace trying to keep your home to the ideal temperature. Change your filter every two months or more often in homes with pets.
Keep Vents Open.
Whether you’re decorating and putting up the tree, or you have a spare room you don’t use, closing or blocking the vents actually causes your unit to work harder. That’s because your thermostat is measuring the temperature of the air throughout your home. Closing a vent causes an area of your home to become cooler, making your unit overcompensate in other areas.
Use Fans & Curtains Wisely.
Most ceiling fans have a winter mode. Switching the fan to rotate clockwise on low speed helps push warm air down from the ceiling, improving comfort and reducing run time on your HVAC system. Likewise, closing curtains at night and opening during the day allows for natural sunlight to heat up your home when you need it.
There’s Never a Better Time to Bake.
You’re likely already baking cakes, pies and those yummy holiday treats but using your oven during the winter months helps your home warm up especially during the coldest parts of the day. So go ahead, throw another batch of cookies in the oven.
Schedule a Pre-Holiday HVAC Tune-Up
A simple holiday tune up allows one of our professionals to inspect your unit and can:
- Improve efficiency
- Reduce breakdown risk
- Catch small issues before holiday guests arrive
A well-maintained system always runs more efficiently — and costs less to operate.
Save money for gifts and what you really want this holiday season, not your heating bill. Call Thornton’s Heating & Air today to schedule a holiday tune up, for any service or repair needs or ask us about a free quote on a new unit. Thornton’s is here for all of your heating and air needs throughout the holiday season and year round.
