With winter in Lake Forest fast approaching and heating costs showing no signs of dropping, it’s the right time to take advantage of energy-savings tips that’ll save you money during the long cold-weather season. When it comes to lower energy bills, optimizing your heating system is the key to success. The less your heater needs to run to keep your household warm and toasty, the more you’ll save. Fall is the ideal time to make improvements that can help cut your heating bills down to size.
Window Strategies: Beyond the Basics
Windows let in light, open up views and enhance the decorative style of your home. Although, according to the Department of Energy (DOE), they can also account for as much as 25 percent of your heating bill. Weatherstripping and caulking any leaks around frames and sashes helps keep drafts at bay, but there are other ways to improve window energy efficiency in cold weather too:
- Window Treatments: Tight-fitting shades or blinds can help keep the air that you’ve paid to heat indoors.
- Storm Windows: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that installing exterior or interior storm windows can reduce heat loss by up to 20 percent.
- Passive Solar: Opening curtains on south-facing windows during sunny days lets the natural heat from solar radiation warm your living spaces.
- Plastic Film: Taping clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames can reduce drafts without blocking views.
Programmable Thermostats
Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the most cost-effective things you can do to lower your monthly heating bills while enhancing your comfort. Programmable thermostats allow you to preset your heater to run at different temperatures during different times of the day. These smart devices can lower temperatures automatically while you’re sleeping or away, and raise them again to ensure you enjoy a comfortable environment while you’re at home, awake and active. Simply program the device according to your personal schedule. You can override the settings manually any time you wish without losing your program.
Preventive Maintenance Services
Scheduling a boiler or furnace tune-up before the thermostat drops and the snow begins to fall helps ensure that your heating system operates at peak efficiency all winter. Enrolling in a preventative maintenance plan is the easiest way to make sure your heater gets the professional care it needs. During scheduled maintenance visits, any potential problems can be fixed on the spot before they lead to a costly repair or breakdown. Regular tune-ups help extend the service life of your heater too, saving you from the cost of a premature replacement.
Implementing a few energy-saving strategies now can add up to real savings later; that’s money you can put toward your children’s education, your retirement or a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation. Ireland Heating and Air Conditioning is pleased to offer money-saving tips along with our energy-efficient products and services to help you reach your goals. To learn more or to schedule service, contact our experts today.
