Is the energy bill too high in the winter? Are users looking for ways to cut costs? There are several simple things users can do at home to save money. Some of them are bigger projects, but most are simple things users can do in day-to-day life to help reduce their heat cost this winter.
Tassio Temp wants to help achieve the highest comfort in Los Angeles home at an affordable price.
Air Seal Home
Air leaks are where outside air enters the home or where the inside air can escape the home. Reducing this leakage is a very cost-effective way to save money on home energy bills.
Two simple-and-effective techniques are caulking and weatherstripping. If users are building new construction, talk to us about air sealing for new homes.
Adjust Temperature
Turn the thermostat as low as they can while still feeling comfortable
Most users keep thermostats up a few degrees higher than they need during the colder months. Turn the thermostat as low as they can while still feeling comfortable. When users are not going to be home, turn it down another 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Users can also invest in a programmable or smart thermostat to have more direct control over their home’s temperature at different times of the day. These thermostats can be a little more expensive up front, but often users will recoup the cost within the season from saved energy.
Insulate Attic
Users all know that heat rises, and it’s no secret that heat is lost through the roof of a California home. Check the insulation levels in the attic.
Be sure users have adequate depth and fill coverage of insulation. Users can also have one of the professionals come out for a home-energy test and evaluate their insulation needs.
Cover Drafty Windows
Users can get plastic window-covering kits at any hardware store.
They are relatively inexpensive and will save quite a bit of energy consumption while increasing overall comfort level. This is a fairly cheap-and-easy way to save quite a bit of money on bills.
Use Space Heaters
If the user's time is spent mainly in one or two rooms, they can turn their thermostats down quite a bit
Depending on how much time users spend in the entire home versus just a few rooms, users may want to invest in a space heater. If the user's time is spent mainly in one or two rooms, they can turn their thermostats down quite a bit and heat the rooms with an electric space heater.
It’s cheaper to heat a small room than to heat an entire house. As always, follow all safety precautions with a space heater.
Dress Warmly Inside
Turn down the thermostat a few degrees and layer up. It can be nice to snuggle in blankets and sweaters on a cold winter night.
In addition to all this coziness, users will save money at the end of the month.
Change Furnace Filter
A clean filter is essential to be sure the furnace is running as efficiently as possible. It’s also crucial to maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
Users should follow furnace-industry recommendations, but Tassio recommends changing the filter at a minimum every three to six months. A dirty filter restricts airflow and causes the furnace to work harder than it should to maintain a constant temperature.
Have the Furnace Cleaned and Checked
Another advantage to regular maintenance is an increased system lifespan
This isn’t just about safety, it’s about preventative maintenance. Users can catch a problem before the furnace stops working in the middle of the night or on the weekend. This will also ensure the furnace is working at its optimum efficiency, providing the most heat for the least cost.
Another advantage to regular maintenance is an increased system lifespan.
Close Fireplace Flue
Of course, users should always keep their flue open if they are using the fireplace, but be sure to close it when it’s not in use. An open flue is like an open window, and great amounts of heat can escape.
According to Indiana Michigan Power, investing in a fireplace flue sealer may be an inexpensive way to prevent air from escaping through the chimney when the fireplace isn’t in use.
Turn Down the Temperature on the Water Heater
Most water heaters are set by default to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the heater’s temperature, and turn it down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep in mind the less heat required to heat water, the less are paying for energy costs. This can slow mineral buildup and corrosion as well.
