Brrr! Nights and even days can be cold this time of year in the Valley of the Sun. With temperatures often below freezing throughout the Phoenix metro area, most homeowners are turning up the heat and facing rising utility bills.
While these bills are often less than those of the summer when air conditioning systems are on around the clock, they can be high enough to put a significant dent in a typical budget. What’s a homeowner to do?
5 Strategies For Reducing Your Home Heating Bill This Winter
Fortunately, there are some simple strategies that you can use now to slash your home heating bills during these cold winter months.
1. Replace Your System Filters
Homeowners often forget to replace the filters in their heating system. However, this easy task should be something that is scheduled on a monthly basis. Old air filters clogged with dust, dander, and other particulates obstruct air flow and make your heating system work harder than necessary. This translates into higher heating costs. Pencil in changing the filter once a month, and you’ll undoubtedly see a drop in your bill.
2. Turn Down The Water Heater
The factory default temperature for water heaters is typically 120 degrees. This is far hotter than you need your water. By turning it down a couple of degrees, you’ll still have plenty of warm water for bathing and cleaning, and will save yourself a measurable amount each month.
3. Program The Thermostat
If you’re not home, there’s no reason to crank your heater to 75 degrees. Instead, program your thermostat so that it’s lower while you’re at work and asleep and higher when you’re awake and at home. At Simply the Best, we can help you choose the right type of programmable thermostat for your home.
4. Seal The Leaks
A tremendous amount of warm air can escape in the winter, as well as cool air in the summer, from unsealed windows and gaps under doors. Take the time to effectively caulk and weather strip these and reduce your monthly costs both in the winter and in the summer.
5. Maintain Your System
The most effective way to lower your bill is to ensure that it’s working as it should be. Call Simply the Best today to schedule maintenance on your system. Our skilled technicians work on all makes and models. Don’t wait until the new year, schedule your tune up today!