Get Your Home's Heating System Ready For Fall

Heating takes up the largest percentage of a typical household’s energy use, about 42% of the typical utility bill. You can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining your heating system. 

However, even the most energy-efficient heating system won’t have a significant impact on your heating bill if your house is not energy efficient. Good insulation, duct sealing, and programming your thermostat could save you 30% on your energy bill. 

Here are some home heating tips to reduce energy use and make your home more comfortable: 

• Replace your furnace filter once a month or as recommended by the manufacturer
• Program your thermostat to the lowest comfortable level, and lower when you’re away from home or sleeping
• Keep your air ducts clean and make sure they are not obstructed by furniture, rugs or drapes
• Seal holes and gaps in air vents
• During the winter months, keep shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill
• Use ceiling fans to improve the circulation of warm air in your living space
• Replace worn weather sealing around windows and doors
• Ensure that your attic has sufficient insulation
• If your furnace is more than 10 years old, or is in need of frequent repairs, consider upgrading to a newer, more energy efficient unit

Have questions about saving energy this heating season? Give Ostrom a call. From furnace tune-ups, to thermostats and duct sealing, we can help you stay comfortable and save energy all winter long.