Follow Our 7 Energy-Saving Tips to Stay on Budget
When you step onto your front porch later this month, you’ll notice crisper air, cooler temps and that wonderful smell of fallen leaves. Ahh—fall has arrived. This means light jackets, cozy flannels, boots, hot cider and pumpkin carving! Unfortunately, it can also mean higher energy bills as homeowners transition between seasons. But fear not! Miller’s is here to rescue you from scary bills and haunting fees—for good.
Here are seven simple ways to keep energy bills manageable this fall:
1. Schedule maintenance.
This one is a no-brainer. Regular furnace maintenance saves you money year-round, and lengthens the lifespan of your system. When a professional fine-tunes your heating unit every fall, it helps eliminate the need for repairs—which keeps money in your wallet!
2. Stop drafts.
Locating the source of drafts will prevent you from wasting energy. Check all doors and windows to see if air is escaping from your home. When you find the origin, add weather stripping to the area (or replace existing stripping if it’s old). This will keep all your warm air in—and prevent your heating system from working overtime.
3. Lower the thermostat.
Reducing your heating costs is a great way to save money. Obviously, you want to remain comfortable. But, in the winter months, try keeping your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees during the day and even lower at night. Fall and winter are the perfect time to snuggle under cozy blankets or sport new sweaters you’ve just purchased. Setting your temperatures back just a few degrees can make a huge difference in your utility bills.
4. Reverse the ceiling fans.
In case you didn’t know, warm air rises. So, reverse your ceiling fans (run them clockwise) to push warm air down into your living area. Shazam! You’re cozy and warm.
5. Check your fireplace damper.
Many homeowners don’t realize they can lose a great deal of heat through their wood-burning fireplaces. Be sure your damper isn’t loose or damaged and check that it closes tightly when you’re not using your fireplace. Keeping your chimney clean and your damper in good shape helps retain indoor heat.
6. Improve your insulation.
Updated insulation can boost your energy savings! Insulation can wear out, which can adversely impact your home’s indoor temperatures. Trust a professional to eliminate any DIY missteps.
7. Buy your water heater a blanket.
You’re not the only one who benefits from cozy protection during the cooler months. Insulated blankets for your water heater are another way to keep your heat contained. Check your local hardware store for insulated water heater blankets. Bonus tip: Keep your water heater temperature between 110 and 120 degrees to get the most efficient, money-saving benefit. You shouldn’t need to set your temps any higher.
More Cozy Tips? Miller’s Delivers Answers
Don’t let the upcoming chill dampen your indoor spirit. Learn more furnace safety tips and money-saving tricks by visiting our website every month. Our certified techs share secrets and simple things you can do to help boost your home comfort—365 days a year. Questions? Call our team today for an appointment at 757.623.6600.