Home heating and cooling systems are some of the biggest headaches for American homeowners today — in fact, heating and cooling typically accounts for about 50% of the average homeowner’s energy bill. Even though gas prices are no longer as painful as they were a few years ago, there are still plenty of ways that you might be paying too much money on your home heating system this winter.
On the other hand, there are also plenty of ways to make sure that you have the most efficient home heating system possible. Here are just three simple tips to get you started:
- If you weren’t in charge of where the thermostat in your house was placed, or if you didn’t put much thought into its placement, it could be causing your HVAC to work overtime because it isn’t getting a good reading of the temperature in your home. The best place to put a thermostat is on a wall without direct sunlight and away from doors, windows, and drafty walls.
- Speaking of windows and doors, it isn’t too late to install some extra insulation to keep the heat in. Most home repair stores have special insulation products to place the cracks of window sills and under door frames, and you can also look for some insulating curtains that keep the cold drafts out. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, many home heating repair services will be willing to help you out.
- And as far as HVAC repair services go, it’s always a good idea to call in the experts and have an inspection of your home heating system (ideally before you turn your heating on, but it’s never too late for a preventative inspection). This will ensure that your system is working efficiently, that there aren’t any duct leaks, and that no malfunctioning parts need to be replaced. A furnace that isn’t working efficiently can cost more than you realize, so in the long run, it’s a good idea to have your heating system inspected even if nothing ends up needing to be fixed.
Now we’re turning the conversation over to you — do you have any of your own money-saving heating tips? Be sure to share any of your thoughts or questions in the comments section!
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