How To Reduce Heating Costs This Winter

Buffalo, NY, residents are no strangers to exceptionally frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall during the long winter months. As demand increases, fuel prices may be on their way back up in the coming months, so now more than ever, homeowners need to find ways to save money with home heating costs! Thankfully, there are plenty of easy solutions… check it out!  

1. Homeowners can reduce expenses by having their HVAC system serviced on an annual basis. A system with ducts has filters that should be replaced regularly throughout the winter as they can get clogged with dust and debris.  
2. Furnace ducts are a major culprit for heat loss. They often leak one-quarter to half of the heated air they carry, meaning people could cut heating expenses by simply sealing these ducts.  
3. Many homeowners set their thermostats much warmer than necessary without even realizing it. This leads to higher fuel and maintenance costs for your heating system. Try setting your temperature to 68F degrees during the day and 60F at night for optimal savings!  
4. You may want to consider investing in a new heating system that can make your home more comfortable and save you money on fuel. Natural gas is currently the cheapest energy source, while electricity is usually the costliest, but both are unpredictable, so it is hard to predict future prices.  
5. When temperatures start dropping, homeowners must take the necessary steps to be prepared for winter. One of these is ensuring that your attic floor has a thick layer of insulation – it can make all the difference in keeping your home warm and saving you money. For reference, there should be an eight-inch minimum thickness for cellulose and 11 or more inches if you are using rock wool or fiberglass insulation.  
6. Chilly air can seep through the smallest of cracks, which is why it is important to be vigilant about finding drafts in your home. When you feel a draft coming from a window or door frame, we suggest getting some spray foam or caulk and sealing up those gaps right away.
7. Electric space heaters can provide supplemental warmth for bathrooms when necessary; however, be sure you make yourself familiar with the specific safety standards for these units. GFCI plugs will ensure a safer environment while using an electric heater, so be mindful of this detail before purchasing one.  

It is crucial to make sure your heating system is working as well as possible during the winter season so that you are not wasting money. There are many techniques for making your HVAC system more efficient. Cellino Plumbing Heating & Cooling is here to help you learn more about the best methods of HVAC maintenance, energy conservation, and helpful tips for homeowners to reduce home heating costs!