We are well into the middle of the coldest part of the year here in Denver, where we see the coldest temperatures in December and January with lows well below freezing. It’s going to be a little while until it warms up enough to turn down the heat, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to pay premium heating prices all winter long.
Day and Night Mechanical is ready to help make sure your heating equipment is running efficiently this winter so that you’re not paying any more on your heating bill than necessary. We’re going to share 5 simple ways that you can save money on your winter heating bill this year.
Basic Annual HVAC Maintenance Can Save You More Than You Spend
One of the easiest ways to save you money on your heating bill is to have your system inspected and cleaned at least once a year by a professional. Your furnace is only used for a few months out of the year and then sits dormant for several months; a lot of dust and other debris can collect during that time, clogging up your system and choking out fresh, clean air. This can make your system run less efficiently which costs you more money.
While it’s ideal to schedule your maintenance check and clean in the fall before your furnace is needed, it’s not too late to have an inspection and cleaning done now. If you’ve noticed that your heating bill is higher than last year, then give Day & Night Mechanical a call to check your heating system out. We can do a cleaning to get your furnace running more efficiently – even in the middle of winter. Tune-ups and maintenance start at $69 for the Denver metro area and foothills of the Rockies (Golden and Longmont).
Having a Smart Thermostat Installed Can Save You Money Instantly
Another simple way to save up to 12 percent off your heating bill this winter is to invest in a smart thermostat. These handy devices turn your heating system into a high-tech energy-saving machine. Smart thermostats help save money by giving you more control over your home’s heating schedule.
While a traditional thermostat is difficult to program, if it contains that function at all, a smart thermostat connects directly with your cell phone so that you’ll always have the ability to make adjustments, even when you’re not home. An additional bonus that can save you money by switching to a smart thermostat is the data tracking and management tools which can spot trends and provide a smarter way to regulate your home’s temperature.
Replace your old-fashioned, boring thermostat that only allows you to change the temperature up or down with a smart thermostat to make a big impact for a small amount of money. Smart thermostats can be ordered directly from Xcel Energyat significantly discounted rates, and Day & Night Mechanical can provide professional installation in your home or small business. To find more reasons to switch to a smart thermostat check out our article on programmable thermostats as well as this one highlighting the Nest Thermostat.
Here’s How Much a Few Degrees Can Save You on Your Heating Bill
If you’ve already had a smart thermostat installed or need to save money immediately, a quick way to see savings on your heating bill is simply to keep your thermostat at about 68 degrees in the winter*. That’s the magic number recommended by the Department of Energy and Energy Star. While it may initially feel a little cooler than you are used to, you can make a few adjustments to stay warm by:
- Bundling up in warmer clothes
- Cooking meals in your oven more
- Sleeping with a heated blanket to stay warm at night
But how much money will you actually save by adjusting your home comfort temperature? The department of energy determined that setting your thermostat back seven to 10 degrees over an eight-hour period could save up to 10 percent. That calculates out to about one percent savings per degree. If you are currently setting your thermostat at 72 degrees Fahrenheit and can’t make the four-degree jump right away, gradually ease into the transition by adjusting down one degree at a time until you feel comfortable. Otherwise, you might be leaving four percent in heating bill savings on the table!
Seal Your Drafty Windows To Keep Your Heating Dollars Inside Your Building
If turning down your thermostat isn’t something you are interested in doing to save money, another way to save a lot on your bill this winter is to make sure that your heat stays inside your house. Check out where air commonly leaks out of your house. This is the perfect time of year to go around to each window inside your home and check for a cool draft flowing in. If you can feel cold air coming in, you can bet your heated air is leaking out.
There are lots of products available at local hardware stores that can be used to seal your drafty windows. Here are a few:
- Rope Caulk
- Draft Blocker
- Draft Stop
- Draft Seal Tape
- Transparent Film Kit
- Weatherstripping
Check Your Vents for Airflow or Blockages To Keep Your Energy Bill Low
One final way you can save money on your winter heating bill is to do a quick check on your airflow. Go around to each vent in your home and make sure the vent grates are in the open position. If there are areas of your home that don’t need to be heated, you might be able to save money by closing the vents off to that room, which will re-direct heat to other parts of your building. An example might be a split level home that has radiant floor heating on the lower level; this home may not need the furnace to heat the lower level so some vents on that level can be adjusted or closed while the floor heat is on.
Finally, while your furnace is running and the vents are open, check each one to see if the heat is blowing out equally at all of your vents. If you find a problem, Day & Night Mechanical can help diagnose and repair the issue.
To recap, our five winter heating bill savings tips are:
- Schedule Annual Maintenance
- Have a Smart Thermostat Installed
- Keep Your Temperature at 68 Degrees
- Seal Your Windows
- Check Your Vents
Doing one or two of these will save you money this month and through the end of winter, but if you do all five, imagine how much lower your bill could be!
Are you interested in having Day & Night Mechanical inspect, repair or upgrade your system to lower your heating bill? Contact us today to schedule your maintenance appointment.
*Not recommended for heat pumps
