4 Tips to Minimize Your Heating Costs

Because of different reasons, fuel prices keep going up, leaving homeowners like you with smaller purchasing power. But this situation doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to adapt to the economic situation. One way you can do to lower your monthly expenses is to make sure your furnace works in tip-top shape.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted heating company in Grant MN. For over 40 years, we have been helping Minnesotans receive unparalleled heating, ventilation, and air conditioning products and services.

Here are some ideas you may want to consider if you want to save on your heating costs this winter.

Lower your thermostat setting by using free heat.

You may need your furnace to work hard at night, but come daytime, you can get free heat. You can use sunlight to help warm your home during the day and adjust your furnace settings. Simply open up your blinds, shades, or curtains and let the heat of the sun penetrate your home. Close them at night to bring back that layer of insulation against the cold.

Boost your insulation with weather stripping around windows and doors.

You may have not noticed, but one of the reasons why you have skyrocketing heating bills is that your home is likely leaking warm air through gaps and cracks. These tiny areas are the primary reason for high heating costs. While such tiny spaces seem insignificant, you can lose a lot of heated air, especially if you’re running your furnace 24/7.

So, you can save some cash on heating by investing in weather stripping around your windows and doors. This tip is an inexpensive way to reduce your gas and electric bills. In fact, it can save you money all year round!

If your existing weather stripping has begun coming apart, it is likely a good idea to replace it with new weather-stripping sealant.

And while you’re at it, be sure to always keep all your doors and windows closed properly. It’s a free way to be in control of your heating costs each month.

Keep the filter clean.

Your furnace’s filter is responsible for keeping the entire unit properly ventilated. Airflow is critical to the unit’s energy efficiency. You don’t want to keep your furnace running while its inside is filled with dust, dirt, and debris.

The cleanliness of your filter directly impacts the furnace’s performance. A clogged filter makes your heating system work harder to push air through the ducts. This results in higher amounts of energy consumption, leading to higher heating costs. Keeping your filter clean and fresh can save you a significant amount of money on energy.

A rule of thumb is to clean or change your filter once every 30 days. Depending on your usage and neighborhood, you may need to check the filter’s sieves twice a month. Refer to your user’s manual to determine whether you have a replaceable or a reusable air filter.

Use plastic sheets over your windows’ interiors.

This tip sounds a lot like weather stripping, but this time, it’s adding plastic layers over your windows to minimize the amount of heat that escapes from your home. The plastic sheet will create an air pocket between your window, which can save you money on heating throughout the season.

Simply look for plastic sheet kits in a home improvement store and install the sheets yourself. This task is rather simple, and no special knowledge or tools are needed. All you have to do is apply the plastic sheets over your windows, and voila—you have an added layer of insulation to keep that precious heat inside your home.

Professional Heating Services with Four Seasons Air Specialists

In addition to the four tips mentioned in this blog, investing in Mahtomedi furnace repair and maintenance is a surefire way to keep your heating system in great shape. A qualified technician can give your system a thorough cleaning and inspection, making sure there are no outstanding issues that can affect the proper functioning of your furnace. The technician will check the exterior and interior parts of your furnace, including electrical and combustion parts. He will also guarantee that all parts are working as they should. With professional maintenance, your furnace will run based on the manufacturer’s specifications and save you money in heating all winter.