5 Easy Heating Tips to Reduce Your Energy Bills
The winter season is often brutal for Chicago residents, which means that their heating units become an essential appliance in their homes. However, when temperatures sharply drop, that means your HVAC system will be working overtime to generate the heat you need to stay warm and comfortable. Unfortunately, that also means your energy bills will drastically increase, which may force you to live in colder conditions and save money or live more comfortably with more expenses.
Fortunately, you can have the best of both worlds. Here are five heating tips that can help you lower your monthly energy bills while keeping the frigid winter temperatures away from your home’s interior:
Adjust Your Thermostat in Minor Increments
When your home starts to feel cold, the first thing you might do is to turn up your thermostat. However, cranking up the heat on your Chicago HVAC will make your bills more expensive. You can increase it in small increments instead, like one degree. You can also choose to keep your thermostat at much higher temperatures during the day and dial it back down during the night.
Change Your Thermostat
Another option is to swap out your thermostat for a programmable one, which can save you up to 20 percent of your monthly energy bill. It automatically adjusts the interior temperature according to the most efficient ones. They’re also inexpensive, as you can get these for as low as $20. Even though that means you’ll be shelling out some money, it is way more convenient and ultimately cheaper than keeping a traditional thermostat.
Clean Your Radiators and Vents
Clogged radiators and vents mean that your HVAC system will work harder to circulate air, given all the obstruction and dust in the way. Cleaning them regularly, especially before winter, will prevent your system from overheating and breaking down when you need it the most. It will also help keep your energy costs at a more affordable level since it can circulate air more liberally in your home.
Keep Your Doors Shut
While it’s perfectly fine to leave all the doors in your home open to air them out, it’s best to keep them closed if you want to save on energy bills. That way, you won’t be wasting heat in rooms that no one is currently using, which will also lower your energy expenses. If you’re in the room, you’ll want to keep the room closed anyway since your natural body heat will warm up the area, especially if a shut door seals it.
Swap Out Air Filters Frequently
Lastly, regularly changing your air filters helps with heating maintenance. Like cleaning your radiators and vents, it makes sure that your HVAC can comfortably circulate air without working too hard. It also ensures that your HVAC system doesn’t get choked by all the particles and dust it catches, which can end up in an expensive problem necessitating HVAC repair in Chicago. Since it expends less energy, you’ll be spending less money on it, too.
Conclusion
Energy bills are difficult to grapple with, especially during extreme weather conditions. Fortunately, you won’t always have to choose one or the other, as these tips provide you with a happy medium, allowing you to stay warm and cozy without having to pay an exorbitant price.
Aircor Air Conditioning and Heating offers premier HVAC service in Chicago. We specialize in residential and commercial air conditioner installation, heating repair, and many other services. Contact us today to make sure you stay warm throughout winter with a well-working HVAC system!
