Keeping your Winder, Georgia, home warm in winter comes at a cost. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep your heating costs low without sacrificing comfort, from small habit changes to affordable installations. Below are three ways to lower your energy bills this winter.
Turn Down Your Thermostat
The Department of Energy estimates that you can save up to 10% on your heating and cooling costs annually by setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from its usual setting for eight hours a day. If you want to further reduce your energy bills, it’s recommended that you lower the temperature to about 68 degrees when you’re asleep or away. If you find it hard to get used to the new temperature setting, you can turn down your thermostat one degree at a time on a weekly basis.
Fill Gaps Around Your Home
If there are cracks or holes in your walls, floors, or ceilings, warm air can escape from your home, resulting in energy waste. Some of the common places where you’ll find gaps include the windows, doors, power sockets, recessed light fittings, and fireplace. You can locate gaps by feeling for drafts around these places. Alternatively, you can light a candle and see if the smoke gets sucked outside. Fill any cracks and holes with caulk, weather strips, or expanding foam to substantially reduce your heating costs.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
You should consider installing a programmable thermostat if you haven’t done so yet. With a traditional thermostat, you’re more likely to let your heating system run at the same temperature throughout the day, since it’s troublesome to change the temperature manually. A programmable thermostat helps you save time, effort, and energy by automatically adjusting the temperature throughout the day to suit your preferences and schedule.
If you’re interested in adding a programmable thermostat to your heating system, speak with our friendly and helpful staff at Phelps Heating and Air Conditioning. Call us today at (770) 267-2043.
Image provided by Shutterstock