Winter weather and high energy bills go hand in hand in Rhode Island! If you’re looking for ways to stay warm without breaking the bank this winter, CARJON can help. Use these seven strategies to save on your heating bills this winter.
1. Upgrade Your Home Insulation
Insulating your home is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save energy and reduce your bills. Home insulation works by slowing down heat transfer. In the winter, it holds heat inside, making it easier for your home to maintain a comfortable temperature. You can save an average of 15% on your heating and cooling costs every year by insulating and air sealing your attic, basement rim joists, and the floor over your crawl space.
2. Install Window Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is an easy way to seal gaps around your windows, keeping warm air in and cold drafts out. If you want a quick, DIY way to save on energy costs and improve comfort this winter, window weatherstripping is one of the best options.
3. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to save on heating bills is to turn down the heat when you’re not home! You can save as much as 10% a year on energy costs by setting your thermostat down 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. Smart and programmable thermostats make it easy to automatically adjust your temperature settings when you're not home or while you’re sleeping. Smart thermostats even learn your habits and adjust automatically to optimize home comfort and energy bill savings.
4. Hang Thermal Curtains
Does it always feel cold or drafty near your windows? Hanging thermal curtains can help insulate your windows and make your home warmer for cheap.
5. Use the Sun to Heat Your Home
It might be cold in the winter, but the sun still comes out! On sunny days, open your curtains, especially on south-facing windows, to let the sunlight in. It will heat your home naturally (and for free) so you can turn down the heat and save on bills.
6. Schedule Winter Heating Maintenance!
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring your heating system operates efficiently. If you skip maintenance checks, your heating bills may go up do to energy efficiency problems like clogged filters. At CARJON, we recommend annual tune-ups for furnaces and boilers, and twice-annual tune-ups for heat pumps when they’re used for both heating and cooling.
Here are some tips for winter heating maintenance to save on energy bills:
- Schedule professional maintenance before in the fall to be ready for heating season
- Replace air filters every 30-60 days for optimal energy efficiency and indoor air quality
- Keep vents and radiators clean and unobstructed
- Enroll in a CARJON service agreement or Premium Protection Plan for ultimate peace of mind
7. Install an Energy Efficient Heating System
As your heating system gets older, it will lose its efficiency. Your heating bills are likely to increase as a result. You can help your heating system maintain its efficiency for as long as possible with regular maintenance, but eventually, it will need to be replaced.
Consider upgrading your heating system if you notice any of the following signs:
- Rising heating costs
- Frequent repairs
- Inconsistent heating throughout the house
- Aging existing system (10+ years)
Installing a new heating system is an investment and we know it can be frustrating to spend that kind of money on your HVAC system. But it’s also an exciting opportunity to upgrade to a more energy efficient system that costs less to run. One of the best energy efficient heating systems for Rhode Islands homes is a heat pump. Heat pumps provide heating and air conditioning, so you get two upgrades for the price of one!
The CARJON team is ready to help you evaluate your options and find the best heating solution for your home in Rhode Island. We’re a Trane Comfort Specialist and a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractor installing energy efficient heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers throughout the state.
Save on energy bills this winter with heating maintenance or replacement. Call 401-232-9400 for a free quote!
