Edmonton winters are no joke. When the temperatures drop, the furnace kicks in. With this in mind, it’s no shock to hear that Edmontonians often see a huge jump in their heating bills this time of year.
Peak Hydronics wants to help you keep your home warm and comfortable this winter while saving money on your heating bill. Here are our top 5 tips for keeping energy costs down this winter.
Saving On Your Heating Bill
1. Keep Vents and Radiators Clean and Clear
When your vents and radiators are blocked by objects or dust, your heating system has to work harder to produce enough heat to warm your home. The harder your system works, the more energy it consumes. One of the easiest ways to reduce your heating bill is to make sure vents are not blocked by rugs, mats, furniture or other large objects.
You should also clean out any dust buildup from your filters, radiators, and vents on a regular basis. Free flowing air means equal heat radiation, reducing the strain on your furnace.
2. Seal Doors and Windows
Approximately 10-25% of your home’s heat can be lost through improperly sealed doors and windows. Sealing windows and exterior doors with weather stripping is an inexpensive solutions that can save you money in the long run. The less heat that is lost, the less your home’s heating system has to work to maintain warmth.
You can also keep your blinds and curtains open during the day to allow the natural heat of the sun to warm your home; just be sure to close them at night to keep out cold air. Shut doors to unused rooms to keep heat in the main areas of your home.
3. Use Space Heaters and Humidifiers
While using a space heater may seem redundant in home that is already heated, when done properly it can help you save money on your heating bill. Space heaters can be used to heat space as needed as opposed to increasing the overall home’s temperature. For example, consider using a space heater in your bedroom at night so that you can maintain a lower temperature in the rest of the house. Be aware of safety issues and do not allow small heaters to run all night.
A humidifier will also help to keep your home warmer for longer, as moist air retains heat better than dry air. As an added bonus, humidifiers can help prevent the static and dry skin that Edmonton’s winters often bring.
4. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats can help homeowners save from 10 to 20% on their heating bills. For optimal heating and savings, set your thermostat to begin heating your home right before you wake up. Lower the temperature when you’re not home, and have it heat up again right before you arrive home again. Finally, have the temperature cool down again for nighttime.
Maintaining a consistent temperature puts less strain on your heating system and will help to reduce your heating bill.
5. Seal and Insulate Heating Ducts
If your home heating system uses ducts to circulate warm air throughout your home, you could be losing up to 60% of your heat through leaks and cracks in the ducts. Leaks often occur in sections of duct work with connections or bends. Once located, they can be sealed with HVAC tape or duct sealant. Ducts can also be insulated with foil-faced fibreglass insulation.
Have Your Heating System Inspected
If you’ve tried the above tips and still aren’t seeing that heating bill change, you might benefit from an inspection of your heating system. Peak Hydronics’ technicians are fully licensed and trained to find and solve problems in a wide variety of heating systems including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and more! Contact us today for more information!