Tips for Lowering Fuel Costs in the Home in winter

It is nice to be able to stay comfortable and warm during the winter months, but rising energy
costs mean many people are more tempted to turn their thermostat down rather than up. So are
there any ways of lowering fuel costs during the winter, or is it a matter of putting on a few extra
layers and counting the days until spring arrives? Luckily there are quite a few things the average
householder can do to achieve greater energy savings, increasing home comfort. While some of
these are relatively simple, such as eliminating drafts around doors and windows, others may
require a bit more of an initial outlay, but are worth it in the long run.

Updating old Boilers and Furnaces

Heating a home tends to account for most of the winter fuel bill in the average home in the
United States, and most people tend to carry on using an old and outdated system until it breaks
down and can no longer be repaired, but this isn’t necessarily the best course of action. Choosing
a more energy efficient model could save considerable sums on energy bills. However it is
important to make sure you choose the right system and that it is correctly installed by an expert.
This will ensure you get the best performance from the new furnace, and that the equipment lasts
a long time. If you don’t want to change your current heating system then there still may be ways
you can make it more efficient.

Simple Things to Make Your Current Heating System More Efficient

One of the most important things is to make sure it is regularly maintained by booking a fall
furnace tune up in plenty of time before the colder weather really sets in. If your boiler or
furnace is relatively new then it is important to keep up with manufacturer required maintenance
schedules to ensure it is still under warranty. Other things that can really make a difference to the
efficiency of your furnace include changing filters at the recommended intervals. Clogged up
filters can impede the flow of air, affecting the efficiency of the furnace. Another easy way to
lower fuel costs is to install a programmable thermostat. This can make it simple to regulate your
homes temperature more effectively, so you don’t waste energy when you are asleep or away
from the house.

Duct Cleaning

Ducts can get dusty and dirty, so having them professionally cleaned can help your heating and
cooling system to function at its optimal level. This isn’t something that needs to be done
annually, but it is something that needs to be done by a professional firm. One advantage of
having this done is that the ducts can also be checked to make sure they don’t leak. Having leaks
or poorly sealed connections between the ducts can reduce the efficiency of a heating system by
up to 20%, leading to higher utility bills. Leaky ducts will also make it more difficult to keep the
home warm and comfortable. If you have not had your boiler serviced recently, or think it may
need overhauling then now is the time to have this essential maintenance.