For many people, winter on the Western Slope is marvelous. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are wonderful forms of winter recreation. What many Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Vail, CO homeowners don’t like are the energy bills that come along with home heating.
WAYS TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY
If you want to cut those monthly utility bills, the most important thing is to make sure you are practicing good furnace maintenance. It’s critical to keep your heating system operating at peak efficiency. Climate Control Company also wants you to have realistic expectations. If your furnace is 20 years old or more, the only way to significantly reduce your energy bill is a furnace replacement so you can upgrade to a new high-efficiency model.
YOU CAN HELP
All that said, you are not powerless. There are a lot of things you can do on your own to reduce those monthly bills. Here are some great tips:
FIND THOSE AIR LEAKS
It’s just like being a private detective. You need to do some sleuthing. Inspect windows, doors, and light switches and outlets on exterior walls checking for air leaks. You can even do the candle test. Hold a lighted flame near a window or door. If the flame flickers, it could mean there’s an air leak.
USE THAT PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
Did you know that turning the thermostat down several degrees for eight hours (while you’re at work or school) can cut your heating bill by as much as 10%? This is much more difficult with a manual thermostat, so if you still don’t have a smart thermostat now is the time to call Climate Control and get one.
LET THE SUNSHINE IN
This is more than the lyrics from that famous 1960’s song “Aquarius” by the Fifth Dimension. Sunlight streaming through windows is the original form of radiant heat. It will warm objects in the room, which in turn warms the air. Just don’t forget to close the drapes when it gets dark. If you want to go high tech, there are “smart” window coverings that you can program or control with your mobile device.
BUNDLE UP
Do you know the good thing about cool or cold weather? You can always put on more clothes. Save money by putting on an extra sweater or sweatshirt and those fuzzy slippers you love so much. Then turn the thermostat down and watch the energy bill shrink.
CHANGE FILTERS REGULARLY
It doesn’t matter if it’s heating or cooling season, the key to any HVAC system is airflow. The best way to assure proper airflow is with a clean filter. Just one more way to make your heating system more efficient.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE CEILING FAN(S)
Most people don’t think about using ceiling fans in the winter, but they can help cut your heating costs. Remember, heat rises so make sure to reverse the fan so it’s turning clockwise instead of counterclockwise. This will push the warm air from the ceiling toward the floor and make you feel warmer.
SPACE HEATERS CAN HELP
Bathroom too cold in the morning? Don’t turn the thermostat up to heat the whole house. Use a space heater. They are not efficient to use all the time or to heat large spaces, but they can save money if used properly.
HERE TO HELP YOU
If you are ready to cut the energy bills in your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home, call Climate Control Company to talk about furnace maintenance or replacement. Our motto is “Comfort Driven, Colorado Style” and we would love to show you what that means for you. To learn more about the services we offer be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
