7 Expert Tips to Save On Holiday Heating Costs

Staying warm indoors while the weather turns frigid outside is sometimes a monumental task. Cranking the furnace higher and higher as the outdoor temperatures creep lower and lower helps, but with that comes increased utility costs. For a more efficient holiday season, try some of these tips and professional services to enjoy a warm and cozy home without breaking the bank.

1. Keep Out the Cold

Separating the cold from the warmth inside your home helps raise comfort levels while keeping your heating costs lower. This means closing all the windows in your home and sealing any that are extra drafty. Limit the number of trips in and out of the house to prevent losing warmth as well. You might also use your window coverings to shield against the cold, especially on breezy days. Open the coverings when the sun shines brightly to bring the temperature up a bit.

2. Change Your Filters

Your furnace has air filters that trap dust and debris, keeping these contaminants out of your system. These filters should be changed every one to three months depending on the type of filter and the air quality in and near your home. Dirty filters can hinder airflow and cause your system to work harder to heat your home. They also allow more dust into the system, which adds stress to the already heavy workload of your furnace during the holiday season.

3. Schedule Maintenance

Annual maintenance includes cleaning, tuning, and inspection, all designed to keep your furnace reliable and efficient. During a furnace maintenance visit, our technicians clean away dust and dirt, tune certain components, and make sure your system is working as it should. You also get more reliable service with fewer breakdowns and additional years of heating from your system when you care for it routinely. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save money throughout the winter and for years to com.

4. Upgrade Your Furnace

If you have an older furnace, you might see your heating costs start to climb. This could be a gradual increase or a significant spike, depending on the condition of your system. Our technicians can help you decide if a replacement is best for efficiency and help you find the new system that best fits your home. Modern furnaces are much more energy-efficient than older ones, both because of technological advances and wear and tear that degrades performance over time. While it’s a larger investment, there are federal and Illinois-specific rebates and credits for energy-efficient models that can offset the cost.

5. Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow you to schedule different settings based on your schedule so you don’t have to walk to the thermostat for each adjustment and you never forget to change it back. For added efficiency, you can set the temperature to a lower setting when the house is empty but have it heat back up just before you arrive back home. This helps you avoid heating an empty house while still providing comfort when you’re home.

6. Have Your Ducts Cleaned

Dirty and blocked ducts can hinder airflow throughout your house, leading to insufficient heating and cold spots. Professional cleaning keeps buildup out of your air ducts using compressed air and a high-powered vacuum system. This gives hot air a free and clear passageway to travel from the furnace to the vents with less strain and stress on the system. This also improves indoor air quality, which is often worse during winter because of the increased amount of time that most people spend indoors, increased use of fireplaces, and other factors.

7. Try Zoned Heating

With zoned heating setups, you can control different areas of the house separately using thermostats in each area and dampers within the ducts. You might choose to lower the temperature in your bedroom while keeping the main living areas warmer for greater comfort. Additionally, you can control different floors of a multi-level home separately or even different bedrooms.

Your Home Comfort Partners

With more than four decades of experience in providing home comfort to our neighbors in Downers Grove, we know a thing or two about heating efficiency. Our talented team of technicians offers expert heating services as well as cooling repairs, installations, and maintenance to help you maintain a comfortable home. We also specialize in heat pumps, ductless mini-split air conditioners, and indoor air quality, giving you an array of options for your home.

Keep your heating costs down this holiday season in Downers Grove when you schedule professional services with the pros by calling Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc. today.