Does wintertime hurt your wallet? Your wallet probably aches from the high heating and energy bills you have to pay all winter long. This winter, “Doc” Dancer has some effective ways to save on heating costs so you will save money all season long. Keep reading to learn more!

Ways to save on Winter Heating Costs

“Doc” Dancer, Fort Wayne’s most trusted heating specialist, wants you to stay comfortable this winter without breaking the bank. Regardless of how old your furnace is, following these steps keeps your furnace from breaking down on you in the middle of winter. A well-maintained and healthy furnace can last for years, so it’s important to follow these tips.  

Switch Your Ceiling Fan’s Blade Rotation

Your furnace isn’t the only appliance in your home that keeps you comfortable. Ceiling fans not only provide a cool breeze in the summer, but they can also move the warm air in the winter.  In the wintertime, set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise. This will push the warm air collecting near the ceiling down around the perimeter of the room.

Seal Up Leaks and Drafts

Your furnace works by transporting warm air through air ducts. If these ducts are blocked with dust and debris, it makes air harder to move through. If your ducts are leaking, warm air is being wasted. “Doc” Dancer can inspect, clean, and seal your ducts so all the warm air is going to the right rooms.

It’s not just your ducts that could be letting heat escape. Drafty windows often contribute to heat loss. Look for shrink-to-fit plastic wrap to seal windows and weather stripping for doors this winter. These inexpensive fixes will make your home feel warmer and reduce moisture buildup in your home.

Open the Curtains for Free Heat from the Sun

Keep the blinds open during the day to let light and warmth from the sun inside. At night, close the curtains or blinds to keep the cold out. Black-out curtains are a great addition to insulating your windows. During the winter, 10-25% of thermal energy goes out the windows, even if they’re closed. Having blackout curtains can curtail this loss by 25%, reducing energy bills and greenhouse gasses. 

Only Heat the Rooms You’re Using

Another way to reduce your heating bill is to only heat the rooms you’re using. Seal off the vents in guest rooms or basements to focus your heating consumption in rooms that are frequently occupied.

Dress for 68℉

According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling costs by simply setting your thermostat to 68℉. Use a programmable thermostat to keep a schedule. Turn the heat down when you leave for work, and then have it turn on before you come home. At night, schedule your thermostat for a lower temperature again.

68℉ is a nice spring day or a brisk fall day. You probably aren’t wearing shorts on a brisk fall day. So make sure that you wear pants, socks, and warm clothes during the winter months to keep your thermostat in check. Throw blankets are a handy accessory to wrap up in instead of cranking up the heat.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is Running Efficiently 

Now is the perfect time to schedule your annual furnace tune-up with “Doc” Dancer. We’ll clean and inspect your system to ensure it’s working as efficiently as possible. Our professional technicians can spot potential problems so you avoid costly repairs in the future. An efficient furnace is a happy furnace, and we’ll make sure yours is in the best condition. Let a technician know about any heating issues you’ve experienced recently and they’ll be able to troubleshoot the problem. 

“Doc” Dancer Can Help You Save Money This Winter

For more ways to save on heating system costs this winter, call “Doc” Dancer. Our friendly team can help troubleshoot your high winter heating bills and make this winter extra cozy.