How to Lower Your Heating Bills Without Sacrificing Comfort
Winter in Pennsylvania brings chilly temperatures and rising heating bills. For homeowners in the Lebanon area, finding ways to stay warm without breaking the bank is top of mind. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your heating costs while keeping your home comfortable.
1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
An efficient HVAC system is the foundation of lower energy bills. Dust, dirt, and wear can make your system work harder, driving up costs. Annual HVAC tune-ups help ensure your system runs at peak efficiency. During a service visit, our technicians can:
- Inspect and clean your furnace or heat pump.
- Replace filters to improve airflow.
- Check for issues that may lead to costly repairs down the road.
2. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats like the Ecobee or Google Nest can significantly reduce your energy consumption while improving comfort. These devices learn your daily schedule and know when you’re away, and automatically adjust your home’s temperature when you’re away or sleeping.
Key benefits include:
- Energy savings: Lower the heat at night or while you’re at work to save energy.
Remote control: Use app-based controls to adjust your heating from anywhere.
Room sensors (available with some models like the Ecobee and Nest): These sensors monitor temperatures in individual rooms, allowing the system to balance comfort throughout your home. This feature is especially helpful if your home has temperature variations among rooms.
According to the Department of Energy, turning your thermostat back 7-10°F for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% annually on heating costs. Smart thermostats make these adjustments effortless and precise.
Note About Electric Heat Pumps: If your home uses an electric heat pump with electric backup (auxiliary) heat, consider making smaller temperature adjustments (2-3°F instead of 7-10°F). Larger temperature changes can activate the auxiliary heat, which is expensive to run. This is especially important when outdoor temperatures are at or below freezing, as the heat pump may rely more heavily on backup heat to reach your set temperature. Smart thermostats can help maintain efficiency by managing these smaller, consistent adjustments.
3. Invest in Proper Humidification
Dry winter air makes your home feel colder than it is, leading you to crank up the heat unnecessarily. Adding humidity to your home can help:
- Standalone room humidifiers are great for targeted spaces like bedrooms.
- Whole-home humidifiers, integrated with your HVAC system, distribute moisture evenly throughout your home.
A properly humidified home feels warmer, allowing you to lower the thermostat while staying comfortable. Plus, humidified air is better for your skin, respiratory system, and even your wooden furniture.
4. Optimize Your Heating Habits
The way you use your heating system impacts your energy bills. Consider these tips:
- Set it and forget it: It’s more economical to use a smart thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature rather than turning the heat on and off throughout the day.
- Zone heating: Close doors to unused rooms and only heat the spaces you’re actively using.
- Utilize ceiling fans: Run ceiling fans in reverse (clockwise) to push warm air downward. (Usually there is a small switch on the side of the main fan housing that will reverse the spin direction).
5. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation
Preventing heat loss is key to lowering your bills. Simple fixes include:
- Installing weatherstripping around windows and doors.
- Adding insulation to your attic and walls.
- Using thermal curtains to reduce heat loss through windows
These steps help your HVAC system work less, lowering energy costs.
6. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient System
If your furnace or heat pump is more than 10-15 years old, it may be time to replace it with an energy-efficient model. Modern electric heat pumps and gas furnaces use significantly less energy while delivering better comfort.
Look for systems with ENERGY STAR® certification for maximum savings. Our team can help you make the best decision for your home’s size and your budget if you’re looking to replace your heating system.
Home Heating FAQ
Is it cheaper to leave the heat on all day?
It depends on the type of heating system your home uses.
For electric heat pumps with electric auxiliary heat: It may be more efficient to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the day. Rapidly raising the thermostat after letting the temperature drop can activate the auxiliary heat, which consumes significantly more energy.
For other systems (like gas or oil furnaces): Letting the temperature drop while you’re away and heating it back up as needed is typically more cost-effective.
Smart thermostats, such as the Ecobee or Google Nest, can help optimize your home’s heating schedule. They balance comfort and efficiency by gradually adjusting temperatures to avoid unnecessary energy spikes while you’re home or away.
How often should I change the filter in my heater?
The frequency with which you should change your heater’s filter depends on several factors, including the filter’s thickness, quality, and your household conditions. Here’s a general guideline:
- 1-inch to 2-inch filters: Replace every 1 to 3 months.
- 3-inch to 4-inch filters: Replace every 6 to 9 months.
- 5-inch to 6-inch filters: Replace every 9 to 12 months.
However, these timelines may vary based on your home’s environment:
- If you have pets: Hair and dander can clog filters more quickly, so you may need to replace them more often.
- If anyone in your household has allergies or asthma: Using a high-quality filter and replacing it frequently (every 1 to 2 months) can help improve air quality.
- During peak usage: In winter, when your heater is running constantly, you may need to replace filters more frequently, regardless of thickness.
Check your filter monthly and replace it if it looks dirty or clogged. A clean filter not only improves indoor air quality but also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently, potentially lowering energy bills and prolonging system life.
How often should I have my heating system serviced?
Your heater should be serviced by a professional HVAC company once a year to ensure it operates efficiently and safely. Ideally, schedule a maintenance check in the fall, before the winter heating season begins.
Regular servicing includes:
- Cleaning internal components like the burners and blower.
- Inspecting for wear and tear on parts such as belts, motors, and electrical connections.
- Checking and calibrating the thermostat for accuracy.
- Ensuring the heat exchanger is in good condition to prevent carbon monoxide leaks.
- Testing overall system efficiency and airflow.
Annual servicing not only keeps your system running smoothly but can also catch potential problems early, preventing costly repairs or unexpected breakdowns during the coldest months.
If your home relies on a heat pump, which both heats and cools, it’s a good idea to have it serviced twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall.
How May We Help You?
Call or request a consultation to speak with us about service for an existing HVAC system or installing a new one. We will assess your current situation, discuss your options, and provide you with a free estimate.