12 Tips to Save Money on Heating Bills this Winter

Denver homeowners can save money (and save energy) heating their homes this winter. These 12 tips will keep you warm without taxing your furnace, your hot water heater or your budget!

1. Set your thermostat to 68-70 degrees

Every degree you lower your heat in the 60-70 degree range results in 5% energy savings. Lowering the temperature to 55 degrees overnight or when you are away for extended periods produces even greater savings (5-20% of your heating costs).

2. Switch your central heating unit to “auto” rather than “on.”

This prevents the fan from coming on unnecessarily and causing the furnace to cycle on and off too frequently.

3. Install a programmable thermostat on an inside wall.

A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature up and down effortlessly throughout the day, so it is on when you need it, and not wasting energy when you are out or sleeping. Installing the thermostat on an inside wall, away from windows and doors, prevents it from being mistakenly influenced by outside temperatures and drafts.

4. Install a Heat Pump

An energy-efficient heat pump can cut your energy bills in half. (Contact IAQ for more information.)

5. Use ceiling fans (set in the opposite direction)

Many ceiling fans have a switch to change the direction of the blades to clockwise. At a slow speed, this moves the warmed air down from the ceiling and distributes it more evenly around the room, without creating a draft.

6. Close your fireplace damper when not in use

Fires in winter are cozy and warm, but unused fireplaces can allow heat to escape. Be sure the damper is closed any time you are not using the fireplace.

7. Keep registers unblocked

Make sure furniture is positioned so as not to block or impede the heat coming from the registers.

8. Use blinds or curtains

Let the sun in during the day and close blinds or curtains at night to hold the heat in.

9. Replace or clean furnace filters as recommended

This is a simple, inexpensive measure to keep your furnace running efficiently, prevent breakdowns, and maximize the life of your furnace.

10. Reduce your hot water temperature to 120 degrees

Setting your hot water at the correct temperature is not only energy efficient it is also a health and safety issue. A temperature that is too high can cause scalding, while a temperature that is too low can create an environment for bacteria to breed.

11. Seal up the leaks

Use weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors to ensure that you are not losing heat (and money) to the outdoors.

12. Consider replacing your older gas units with an ENERGY STAR water heater or furnace

Heating appliances continue to evolve in terms of energy efficiency. New units can quickly pay for themselves in energy cost savings over less efficient older ones.

For more tips, or to determine if it is time to replace your old equipment, contact IAQ today!