If you have ever opened up your heating bill and wanted to cringe, you are not alone. When the temperatures are below freezing, it is easy for your heating costs to get out of hand. However, if you make some simple changes, you can decrease your energy bills. Here are five things that can increase your heating bills.
Dirty Filters
When was the last time you replaced your furnace filters? If it has been more than a month, they are likely clogged with dust and dirt. When your filters are dirty, it can restrict airflow and force your heating system to work much harder than it needs to. Replacing your furnace filters once a month does not take much time and can decrease your heating bills.
Inefficient Windows
If your windows are older and not very efficient, the heat in your home can escape through them. Luckily, you can prevent drafts by placing plastic wrap around your windows. The plastic will help keep the cold air at bay and reduce your heating bills. After you apply the plastic wrap, seal it with a blow-dryer.
Non-insulated Electrical Boxes
The electrical boxes located in a home's walls usually do not get much thought. However, if these boxes do not have good insulation, heat can escape out of them. Remember to check for gaps around these electrical boxes about once a month. If you find a gap, you can fix it with acrylic latex caulk.
High Water Heater Temperature
The majority of water heaters are set at 140 degrees, but they don't need to be set at such a high temperature. In fact, keeping your water heater at 140 degrees can spike your energy bills. Energy.gov recommends turning the temperature down to 120 degrees. In addition to saving you money on your heating bills, a lower water heater setting will prevent minerals from accumulating at the bottom of the tank.
Heat in Unused Rooms
There is no point in heating rooms you do not use very often. To save money on your energy bills, close the heating vents in rooms you rarely go in.
As you can see, there are several things that can spike your heating bills. If you follow these helpful tips, you can save money on your energy bills during the winter. However, if your heating bills are still out of control, you should have a heating services contractor inspect your furnace.
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