Boston winters can be brutal, with colder than average temperatures and almost constant snowfall (yes, we’re over it). If you haven’t started winterizing your home yet, it’s time to get on it! One area you might not have thought about before winterizing your home—but should—is making sure you keep your energy costs low this winter by making some small changes around the house. Check out these helpful tips on how to lower your Boston heating bill this winter so you don’t end up freezing all the way through spring.
Close off rooms you aren’t using
One way to lower your heating bill is by closing off rooms you aren’t using. This will help minimize the amount of heat that needs to be generated in order to keep your home comfortable. You can close off rooms by simply closing the doors, or, if you have a room that isn’t being used often, you can close the vents in that room.
If you are worried about drafts and colder air coming through open doorways, there are ways to insulate them as well. For example, some people might use a heavy curtain at the doorway. Other options include double-sided tape, weatherstripping around the edges of the door frame, and other products that do not create an airtight seal but still offer some insulation benefits. Visit our website for more information on lowing your heating bill and making your home more energy efficient.
Insulate windows
Another way to lower your heating bill is by insulating your windows. You can do this yourself by buying some weatherstripping and caulking, or you can hire a professional. Either way, this is a relatively inexpensive way to make your home more energy-efficient. And it’s worth the investment as insulation reduces the heat lost through a window.
Use a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great way to save money on your heating bill this winter. By setting the thermostat to lower temperatures when you’re not home, and higher temperatures when you are, you can save a significant amount of money. When your home is empty, the higher temperatures don’t need to be so high, which means that your heating bills will go down as well. Set the thermostat at or below 68 degrees: If it’s warm enough outside, set the temperature on your furnace below 68 degrees so that it doesn’t have to work as hard.
Keep air vents clean & clear
Clogged or blocked air vents are one of the leading causes of high heating bills. By making sure your vents are clear, you can ensure that your system is running as efficiently as possible. Plus, it’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes!
Air vents are placed strategically around your home and allow heated or cooled air into specific rooms. If they’re blocked, it won’t matter how efficient your furnace is – it won’t be able to do its job. With a little bit of elbow grease, you can keep your home comfortably warm all winter long! We recommend using a small vacuum to remove any dust, dirt or debris that may have built up in or around your vents.
Properly ventilate your home by having someone check it each year
You can lower your heating bill by ensuring that your home is properly ventilated. By having someone check it each year, you can make sure that there are no leaks or drafts that are causing your heat to escape. You should also check to make sure that your windows and doors are properly sealed. If you have any cracks or gaps, you can seal them with weatherstripping or caulk.
Boston heating companies will be able to inspect your entire home ensuring that there are no leaks or drafts that are causing your heat to escape. They’ll also ensure that all of the windows and doors in your home are correctly sealed. These simple adjustments can save a lot of money on heating bills this winter!
Not only will they ensure no heat is escaping, but they can also check to make sure your HVAC unit is properly working. The last thing you’ll want to do is be without heat in the middle of winter. It’s important to know what you’re up against before trying to fix things yourself because if you don’t know what you’re doing, then it could end up costing more than if someone else fixed it. It’s better to leave it up to the professionals so that everything gets done right the first time around and so nothing goes wrong.
The cost to replace an HVAC system averages around $7,000. That’s a major expense to most homeowners, which is why it’s important to avoid doing anything that may break your unit. Your best bet is to call a professional and let them handle it from start to finish. When it comes to heating systems, the last thing you want is something going wrong.