As the winter snow gets ready to thaw in Ohio post-Groundhog Day, it’s a comfort for homeowners to recline in their toasty living rooms, safe from the cold thanks to their trusty heaters. Of course, this comfort is by no means free, and after a particularly frigid February some people find it’s chillingly expensive.
Fortunately, it’s surprisingly easy to minimize heating expenses. Several heat-saving techniques are basic practices that should be a part of any energy-conscious homeowner’s daily routine. Listed below are a few of the most effective ways to keep that late winter power bill from skyrocketing.
Turn Down the Thermostat
As obvious as this simple tip might seem, it’s easy to forget to do it before leaving the house for work or going to sleep, which are perfect times to save on heating costs without forfeiting comfort.
Upgrade the Thermostat
Smart thermostats can be programmed and operated remotely from any smartphone, saving people the trouble of having to remember to turn their thermostat down every time they leave the house or go to bed.
Schedule an Inspection
While it’s usually recommended to have a furnace inspected yearly in the summer, it’s never too late to pick up that phone and schedule a checkup. A comprehensive furnace tuning can dramatically increase its efficiency and identify any hidden issues that may lead to a costly breakdown.
Clean Those Vents
It goes without that saying that a heater is more efficient when air can flow freely through its vents. To prevent the buildup of heat-stealing obstructions like dust and dirt, vents should be cleaned regularly, and no furniture should be placed in front of them.
Bundle Up
In this age of reliance on machines and technology, it’s easy to forget the advantages of warm clothing during the chilly season. From thick wool sweaters to sleeved blankets, there are plenty of options for staying warm that don’t require keeping the thermostat on its highest setting.
Keep the Air Moving
Many modern ceiling fans have switches that can be flipped to change the direction the blades rotate, which is ideally counterclockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter. By having the blades turn clockwise and setting the speed to low, a ceiling fan will generate an upward air current that lightly circulates warm air trapped at the top to the lower space of the room.
Mooch From the Windows
Free heat is almost always available, even when it’s cold outside. By simply rolling back the blinds and curtains on their windows during the day, anyone can harvest the sun’s natural light and free heat energy. However, they should be closed back at night to keep that borrowed warmth from escaping.
Whether the groundhog sees its shadow or not, Ohio residents can stay warm as spring approaches without sending their heating bills into orbit. These basic tricks will take some of the responsibility off the heater and add cash back into any savvy homeowner’s pocket.