In Ohio, we’re having a colder and snowier (is that a word?) winter than has been the norm for the past few years. Several of our neighbors in the Reynoldsburg area have complained about outrageous jumps in their utility bills. We’re going to help you do something about it!
Here are some of our favorite tips on keeping your home comfortable and warm without needing to raise cash to cover your bill. Take a look, give them a try and hopefully your next utility bill will be a little more bearable.
It’s the Thermostat, Dummy
This obviously belongs at the top of the list because it’s the way to have the biggest and most immediate impact on your energy usage. The US Department of Energy says you can save about 10 percent per year by lowering the setting on your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours each day. If you follow our suggestions about improving your sleep by lowering the temperature in your home, this would give you a double benefit (assuming you spend a combined minimum of 8 hours or more in bed and away at work each day). Keep in mind every degree is important, but don’t compromise the comfort of your pets.
Programmable Thermostats
Why have to do all the hard work yourself? Let technology do the heavy lifting by installing a programmable thermostat, or even better, a smart thermostat. Part of the Internet of Things (IOT), Smart Thermostats can be controlled from virtually anywhere with a smartphone app. If you’re really want to take advantage, get a WiFi Thermostat that you can control from your phone.
The major benefit would be especially apparent if your schedule changes. For example, let’s say you have your thermostat lowered while you are at work, but you decide to leave work early. You can turn up the thermostat manually from your App and your home will be toasty by the time you arrive!
Regular HVAC Maintenance
We recommend routine maintenance on your home’s HVAC equipment at least once per year; in the fall for heating equipment, in the spring for central air. If it’s been several years, or even one year since you’re have service, your furnace could be working harder trying to keep up with demand because of accumulated dirt in the system. In addition, a regular tune-up and safety check on your HVAC system will catch small problems before they become large ones.
Clean Your Heat Registers
Your home’s heating equipment works best when there’s an unobstructed flow of air through your vents and cold air returns. Clean those vents routinely to remove dust and debris. Also be sure that your vents aren’t block by furniture, rugs, or other object.
Take One for the Team
Instead of running around in your skivvies while you’re at home, try wearing warmer clothing, like sweatshirts, sweaters, your pajamas, and so on. And, we like to keep stadium blankets handy in the living room rather than turning up the thermostat.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Flip the little switch on the side of your ceiling fan so your fan turns clockwise, and run the fans on low speed in rooms that are occupied. This will circulate the warmest air from the ceiling back down to the floor. We recommend ceiling fans with remote controls (or SmartPhone apps) so you can easily turn them off when the room is empty.
Free Solar Energy
Ever notice how our pets like to stretch out in front of a sunny window to warm themselves on a cool winter day? There’s so logic to that. Open the blinds on the side of the house where the sun is shining, and close them on the darker side of the house. This will allow those rays to brighten the house and warm it. No charge!
Grin and Bear It
Surviving an Ohio winter doesn’t have to be unbearable, from a temperature or financial perspective. Implement these tips right away and you’ll start seeing immediate benefits.
If you haven’t had service on your HVAC system within a year, we recommend our Furnace Tune-Up and Safety Check. Visit our DEALS page for a discount coupon on getting this service done. And you can save even more by investing in an annual Scheduled Maintenance Agreement.
Call Reynoldsburg’s Best Furnace Repair Contractor
As always, when you’re ready to have your home’s heating and cooling system serviced, contact Reynoldsburg’s most reliable Furnace Repair contractor, Pickerington Heating & Cooling. Use our convenient online form to schedule a visit, or for immediate service call 614-837-4026.
