As winter approaches, Delaware County homeowners often face rising heating bills, but staying warm doesn’t have to come with high costs. With a few smart adjustments, you can keep your home cozy while reducing energy use and keeping those bills manageable. Here, J. Halligan & Sons Heating and Air Conditioning share practical tips to help you enjoy comfort without overpaying this winter.
1.
Set Your Thermostat Wisely
Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees can significantly reduce energy costs. When you’re away or sleeping, set it back by 7-10 degrees. Smart thermostats make it easy to automate these changes, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.
Tip: If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, J. Halligan & Sons can recommend energy-efficient options that fit your home.
2.
Seal Drafts and Insulate
Drafts are a major culprit of heat loss, causing your heating system to work harder. Sealing drafts around windows, doors, and ductwork and adding insulation can help your home retain heat longer. A well-insulated home keeps your system from overworking, cutting down on energy use.
Tip: Consider adding weather-stripping to windows and doors or caulking cracks for an easy DIY solution.
3.
Keep Heating Vents Clear
Furniture, curtains, and rugs that cover vents can block heat flow, making your HVAC system work harder. Ensure all vents are unobstructed for better airflow and more even heating throughout your home.
Tip: Take a few minutes to check that vents are open and unobstructed for optimal warmth in each room.
4.
Schedule a Heating System Tune-Up
A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, saving energy and reducing bills. Regular tune-ups prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs and keep your system running at peak performance.
Tip: J. Halligan & Sons offers comprehensive tune-up services that improve efficiency, save on bills, and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
5.
Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer! By reversing the direction to clockwise, fans push warm air down, allowing for more even heat distribution. This small adjustment helps maintain a comfortable temperature without overworking your heating system.
Tip: Set ceiling fans on a low speed to avoid creating a draft, maximizing the effect of this simple change.
6.
Utilize Sunlight for Natural Warmth
On sunny days, open curtains on south-facing windows to let sunlight naturally warm your rooms. This free heat can take the edge off chilly rooms, reducing the need to turn up the thermostat.
Tip: Close curtains at night to keep warmth inside and prevent drafts, particularly on colder nights.
7.
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace
While an upfront investment, high-efficiency furnaces use less energy to produce the same amount of heat, significantly reducing your energy bills over time. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, consider an upgrade to enjoy long-term savings.
Tip: J. Halligan & Sons can assess your current system and recommend high-efficiency options tailored to your home and budget.
Enjoy Comfort and Savings with J. Halligan & Sons
These tips can help Delaware County homeowners reduce heating costs while staying comfortable all winter. At J. Halligan & Sons Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re dedicated to helping you save on energy bills and get the most from your heating system. Contact us today for more advice, tune-ups, or to explore energy-efficient upgrades!
