Heating is one of the more expensive bills in winter, with energy expenditure rising to significant levels during extreme weather. According to the reports, people in the UK spend around £1,254 a year on dual fuel, and that’s of course, pretty high. Steep rates have made it increasingly harder for people to cope with their bills, with effective solutions required to reduce their expenses.
Some of the ways you can effectively lower your `heating bills during winter include:
Cleaning and Maintaining the Heating Systems
Ensuring your furnace and AC are in a good working condition not only saves you a small sum through improved efficiency but can also help you avoid the need for major repairs.
The furnace is one of the most important features of a house during winter. Servicing the furnace and AC on a regular basis ensures your unit functions effectively, lasts for a longer period and doesn’t expend extra energy to achieve standard results. This becomes even more important if you are living in cold areas like mountains in Pennsylvania. Luckily, experts from HVAC Allentown PA are always there to help you!
Buying energy-efficient heating appliances also helps with reducing your energy bills. Best Electric Radiators offer quality radiators for customers interested in saving money on heating. Choosing an energy-efficient alternative decreases the overall burden on your home’s heating system.
DIY Insulation Projects
The more heat lost in a house, the more the energy expended to replace it. Insulating your house is a great way to prevent unnecessary heat loss. There are multiple DIY insulation projects that can be easily accomplished with minimal skill. A study conducted by Electricité de France revealed that households could reduce their heating bill by up to 30% through effectively sealing their chimney.
Plugging the chimney simply requires a chimney balloon that you can make at home or buy from numerous stores. Extra thick curtains coupled with window insulation also greatly reduce the amount of heat lost by a house. Using door snakes to avoid drafts and weatherproofing strips to seal air leaks are other projects that can be easily achieved using amateur home kits.
Controlling Heat Levels
Another common reason behind rising heating bills is constantly maintaining the thermostat at one high level no matter the time of day. Many people have gotten used to a constant temperature that, in most cases, is higher than what they actually need. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy found that you can save 10% of your electricity bill by just turning the thermostat a few degrees back.
A study in the US identified 20 degrees as the ideal temperature for a residence during the day. The thermostat can be turned back a little further at night, as your blankets will offer additional insulation as you sleep. Turning the thermostat to lower levels when away is also a great way of saving money.
Controlling Heater Vents
In cases where your house contains rooms that are not often used, closing off the heater vents can redirect the heat produced to other areas. Sectors like guestrooms, the attic, or basement are not often used on a regular basis. The heat expended in unexploited areas can then recirculate through other living spaces. It is also important to close all the doors and windows of any unused rooms.
Utilize Natural Light and Warm Clothing
The sun still comes out for a few hours during winter and taking advantage of the natural source of heat that accompanies it can lower your overall energy expenditure.
Lifting the shades and allowing sunlight is a great way to maintain temperature levels without paying extra. If the house still feels a little chilly, wearing warm clothing like jumpers and sweaters indoors can easily remedy that problem. Just be sure to draw the shades again before dark, or all your good work will be undone.
Home Cooked Meals
Believe it or not, cooking on a regular basis is a great way to increase the heat levels in your home. The heat emitted from appliances like the oven and kitchen stove can waft through other living spaces and provide an additional foil against the brisk air. A healthy meal is also a great way to get your metabolism going and increase the heat produced by your body.