Now is the time of year when your budget is likely at its tightest. However, now is also the time of year when you are going to want to use your heater the most. So, how do you balance the need to keep your home warm with the need to keep your monthly energy bills affordable?
We are glad you asked because we have some great ideas to share. Here is what you need to know about getting the best heating possible from your system without ruining your budget.
Keep the cold air outside to reduce your heater’s workload
A nice breeze bringing in some fresh air can feel great for about two seconds, and then it just feels cold and uncomfortable. If you need some fresh air, we’d advise stepping outside for a moment rather than cracking the windows or leaving a door ajar.
Keeping your doors and windows tightly shut can keep the cold air outside where it belongs. It also reduces the speed at which warm air escapes your house. Add these two facts together and it translates into better comfort that lasts longer and a reduced amount of work for your heater to do.
Use natural radiant heat to warm things up
Sunshine feels warm because it provides radiant heat. This radiant heat can penetrate your home too! Why not enjoy some free heat in your home by opening the blinds and curtains to let the sunshine in. This is helpful in multiple ways. The first is that it will help keep your home warmer. The second is that the added sunshine will reduce the need to turn on your lights. Both of these results help you use less electricity, keeping your bills lower.
Know how to run your heater well
Believe it or not, there is more than one way to run a heater: an efficient way and an inefficient way. Do you know which way you’ve been using?
To get the most from your heater for the most reasonable cost, we’d advise keeping the thermostat set to around 68°F. We also advise making sure all of the vents in the home are left wide open so that your heater can effectively distribute the warm air it creates. Combine all of this with regular filter changes and you are going to have great effectiveness and efficiency.
Make sure to maximize your heating efficiency in Eden Prairie by double-checking how you are running your heater. You may be paying more than you need to!
Ensure your heater is well taken care of
While you may be doing everything possible to keep your home warm while staying within your budget, there might be something you’ve forgotten to do: have your heater maintained! Expert maintenance can help address a variety of problems that could otherwise undermine your heater’s efficiency and ability to heat the home.
Need some help keeping your home warm lately? Don’t just shiver your way through the season! Contact the experts at Residential Heating and Air Conditioning for service and advice.