Portland Heating and Cooling Solutions

8 Tips To Reduce The Cost Of Heating This Winter

As the temperatures start to dive, it's time to think heating system.  Heating can be expensive. If you’d like to reduce your heating bills even further this season, consider giving some of these free or low-cost tips a try.

1. Lower your thermostat.  The difference of a few degrees may save you 5 to 10 percent on your heating bill, but may not be noticed that much, particularly during the middle of the day when it's warmest outside, or in the middle of the night when you are likely tucked into bed. 

2. Be aware of heat from other sources.  Instead of venting the bathroom shower, keep the bathroom door open to share the warmth.  The oven generates heat when you bake, you can leave the oven door slightly open as it cools to share the heat (Keep children, animals and fingers away though!). 

1. Use blankets or snugglies.  If the house is cold or drafty, you can always wear a sweater or grab a cover.  If you feel a chill while watching television or reading, try a blanket or snuggie.   Your body will also feel warmer if you wear a cap. 

4.Turn down the hot water.  You can fudge on the hot water, and turn the thermostat to 120 instead of 140 degrees and save some heating expense. 

5. Cover windows at night. When it's cold outside, cover your windows to reduce heat loss and keep cold air outside.  Reverse this during the day, and uncover the windows during the day to let the sunlight naturally warm the rooms.

6. Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats range in price, but chances are you'll save more than you spend because you will reduce your heating expense.  Most programmable thermostats have the ability to create a schedule where you can reduce the heating during the day when no one is home, or even when you are sleeping.  Many also have a vacation mode to adjust for times when there is no reason to keep the home as warm.

7. Close the flue to fireplaces or wood stove. If you aren't using that fireplace be sure the flue is closed and install glass doors to minimize heat loss. 

8. Get a heating system checkup. Proper maintenance will help your heating unit run more efficiently. Electric and oil heaters should get professional attention at least once a year and gas heaters every other year. Remember to replace the air filters - dirty filters lead to higher heating costs.

When was the last time you changed your heating filter?  When was the last time you had a professional evaluation of your heating system?    Do you believe your heating system is running efficiently? 

 

Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces,  gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.