7 Ways You Can Lower Heating Bills This Winter

We all want lower heating bills, but is it possible without sacrificing comfort? Absolutely. The River City Heating & Air Conditioning experts share simple things you can do to shave a few dollars off your heating bill each month. And if you have questions about any of the suggestions below, give us a call at 507-454-7689. We’re happy to explain them further so you can start saving today.

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Changing your air filter routinely is a simple, inexpensive step you can do on your own. And it’s important because as the filter gets dirty, your furnace has to work harder to move air throughout your home, which means higher bills and less comfort.

A standard one-inch filter should be replaced every three months or more frequently if it appears dirty, you have pets, or you smoke indoors. If you have a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, you should clean or replace it every six months or so. Not sure which filter type you have or need? Our pros can recommend a replacement filter and schedule to keep the air in your home clean and moving freely.

Program Your Thermostat

Homeowners are often surprised to learn that a programmable thermostat can save them 10 to 20 percent on energy bills. Simply program it to raise or the lower the temperature while you’re gone for extended periods of time to save on energy. And set it to return to preferred levels before you get back—you’ll save money without having to deal with cool, uncomfortable dips in temperature.

Seal Leaky Windows and Doors

Leaky windows and doors are a leading cause of heat loss and higher energy bills because cool drafts leave you bumping up the temperature to stay warm. Run your hand along window sills and door jams to feel for drafts. Replace weatherstripping and seal leaky windows with an energy-efficient plastic cover to keep energy bills down.

Schedule Annual Maintenance Tuneups

A single maintenance appointment can lower your energy bills by up to 10 percent because your furnace will run more efficiently. Haven’t had your system cleaned in a while? Don’t worry about it—any cleaning is better late than never, so call to schedule an appointment at your convenience. And ask about our maintenance plan for priority service, automatic scheduling, and a two-year price guarantee to keep your system in top condition for as long as possible.

Warm up With Sunshine

On sunny days, open blinds and let the sunshine warm your home. Often times, the added heat is enough to keep your furnace from running extra cycles. Just remember to close your blinds again at dusk to keep the warmth in.

Use Your Ceiling Fan to Your Advantage

Did you know ceiling fans can be used to keep you comfortable year-round? Set yours to rotate clockwise at a low speed in winter to push warm air that rises back down. In summer, reverse the fan to rotate counterclockwise and create a cool breeze.

Don’t Leave Your Fireplace Flue Open

An open fireplace flue is a surefire way to waste precious heating dollars because it draws cold air in and lets heat out. Keep yours closed or consider a chimney balloon to block unwanted drafts and keep warm air in.

For More Money-Saving Tips, Ask Our Pros

As heating and cooling experts with over 30 years of experience, we have lots of money-saving tips and tricks up our sleeves. If you have questions about any of the above advice or would like to talk to one of our pros, call 507-454-7689 or ask us online. We service all makes and models of systems—including Bryant® units—and are here to help whenever you need us.