Five Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter

When it comes to financial planning for your household there’s always extra expenses that pop up especially during the summer and winter months. Summer is time for vacations and excess utility costs from running your air conditioning. Come winter, its holiday expenses and rising costs for heating. For most families, these higher utility costs can really tighten their budget in a time where they could use some extra discretionary income for gifts or trips. So, when it comes to heating and air conditioning, which is the one that’s really breaking your bank? You may be surprised to know that heating costs in the winter tend to be significantly higher than air conditioning costs in the summer. Here at Van Drunen we know how important it is for our customers to manage their costs so check out these five helpful tips to lower your heating bill this winter. 

1. Get Regular Maintenance
   Just like any other system, your heating needs to have its regular maintenance and repairs. While upkeep has a price, it’s much riskier (and more expensive) to wait until your system totally collapses before dealing with it. Regular services can find issues before they become too large and fix them for a fraction of the cost of a replacement. Maintenance before the winter season can provide specific upkeep to make sure your system is ready for the coming weather. Here at Van Drunen we’re happy to help you set up a regular maintenance schedule to make sure your equipment is in prime shape to keep you warm in the winter.
2. Bulk Up
   In summer it’s time to shed as much of your clothing as possible and throw open the windows, but it’s just the opposite in winter. Bulking up in sweats, layers, and other warm clothing can help keep you comfortable without having to increase your heating costs. 
3. Consider What You Cook
   Those hearty winter soups and casseroles may be good for more than just a home-cooked meal. Cooking with the oven and other appliances can actually help up the temperature in your home. It’s like killing two birds with one stone, and just one more great reason to bust out grandma’s heart (and body) warming home-cooked recipes.
4. Thermostat Adjustments
   As always, efficient equipment can go a long way in keeping your systems running at a top notch level and ends up saving you money in the long run. Though there is an upfront cost, switching your thermostat for a new, upgraded version can save you more money in the long run. Newer thermostats are built specifically for energy efficiency, helping you cut costs with no thought or action on your part. Another thermostat trick in both summer and winter is to keep that thermostat set at a neutral level. You may love to have your entire home full of warmth on a cold winter’s night but not upping your heat beyond a necessary level can save you money while still keeping you comfortable. 
5. Prioritize
   While it would be nice to heat the whole home in winter it may not always be necessary. If you have extra rooms, bathrooms, or other areas that don’t get frequent use consider restricting the heat to these areas. Close the vents in unused rooms to help funnel the heat where it needs to go most. You can even adjust this throughout the day, directing heat to the living room first and then to the bedrooms at night. 

Keep In Touch

Van Drunen professionals are here to help you get prepared for the winter season within a budget that works for you. We want you to be comfortable and know sometimes costs can be a barrier to this. That’s why we offer financing options to make sure you have access to what you need to stay warm this winter. Reach out today and let Van Drunen Heating and Air Conditioning walk you through affordable options to keep you warm this season.