We love our winters here in Utah.
We enjoy the cold outdoors on skis, skates, and with mittens full of packed snow, and we are equally happy experiencing the season from the comfort of the indoors.
We rely on our furnaces and heat pumps to keep our homes toasty when the temperature drops, but we do not want to spend more on winter heating bills than a spa weekend stay at a five-star resort.
Yes, winter can be brutal in Utah, but it does not have to be expensive.
Cut Heating Costs with a Tune-Up
At Gillette Services – Plumbing, Heating & Air, we know what it takes to maintain an efficient heating system to save you money on winter utility bills. During an annual fall tune-up, we will thoroughly clean and examine your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, identifying and fixing any issues that might lead to a breakdown.
Annual preventative maintenance extends the lifespan of your heating system. It bolsters efficiency and reduces energy consumption, so you spend less on heating.
The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) says you can save up to 30 percent on your energy bill by maintaining your heating system while upgrading insulation, air sealing, and using energy-saving thermostat settings.
Let’s take a closer look at air sealing and insulation, along with a few of our tips for reducing heating costs this winter:
- Weatherization: Cracks, gaps, and holes around doors, windows, chimneys, and other areas are significant sources of heat loss and wasted energy. Weatherstrip around doors and windows to seal your home. Consider buying a window insulating kit to keep heat in and cold out.
- Seal Your Home: An energy audit can pinpoint all areas of heat loss in your CITY home, and professional air sealing can plug the gaps throughout your home with an emphasis on the foundation and the attic. Insulation and air sealing go hand in hand. They work together to minimize heat loss. Hire a professional to assess your insulation needs and add insulation where needed.
- Smart Thermostat: At Gillette Services – Plumbing, Heating & Air, we love the convenience and practicality a smart thermostat brings to home heating and cooling. It is essential for tracking your energy consumption and controlling your HVAC system. You can strategically program temperature changes to save energy when you are not at home or are snug in bed. Some smart thermostats also self-adjust based on your temperature preferences and home occupancy. Those compatible with Wi-Fi are accessible through an app on your smartphone.
- Drapes and Blinds: On sunny winter days, open curtains and blinds on south-facing windows to let warm sunlight in. At night, keep them closed to reduce window drafts. During the day, the sun’s rays will naturally heat your home. The DOE states that closing drapes can reduce heat loss from a warm room by up to 10 percent.
- Ceiling Fan: Winter is the perfect time to use a ceiling fan to push warm air from the ceiling into your living space. Be sure to run the fan clockwise at low speed.
- Fireplace: Install fireplace-safe glass doors and a blower to distribute the warm air. Keep the damper closed unless the fireplace is in use. Seal cracks around the hearth.
- Airflow: Move any furniture, drapes, and other obstructions away from air vents or radiators. Inspect your air filter monthly and replace it when it is dirty.
Enjoy winter by lowering energy consumption and reducing utility costs with these tips!
Schedule a Tune-Up Today
Fall is the best time to schedule a tune-up for your heating system. Our qualified technicians from Gillette Services – Plumbing, Heating & Air will thoroughly clean and inspect your furnace or heat pump. Call us at (801) 465-7760 or request service online.
