Heating your home in Londonderry is getting more expensive as the cost of gas rises. In fact, the average cost of home heating rose 10% in 2014 compared to costs from the previous year, according to USAToday.com. Luckily, there are some smart moves you can make this winter that will lower the cost of your home Heating in Londonderry. Here are some changes you can make to lessen the strain on your wallet.
Get a Professional Tune-Up
Just like your car, your furnace or boiler needs a periodic tune-up to keep it running efficiently–and inexpensively. The most effective way to get your heating system ready for the cold winter months is to hire a professional heating and cooling technician to perform a tune-up. This service is very affordable and it can lower your heating bills during the course of the winter.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Another method to conserve energy is to purchase a programmable thermostat. These handy devices can be set to automatically lower the temperature at night or during hours of the day when the house is empty, effortlessly lowering the cost of your Heating in Londonderry. If you’re semi-handy, you can install a programmable thermostat yourself, or you can hire a heating technician to do it for you. Used correctly, this device can save you up to 20% on your heating bill.
Change and Clean Your Filters
Dirty filters can make your heating system run poorly and can drive up the cost of your utility bills. To save money, change your air filters as recommended. Depending on your furnace, you’ll need to change your filter every 1-3 months. For greater furnace efficiency, clean out your filters in between changes. This is simple to do with a vacuum attachment or by washing them gently with warm water.
Seal Your Windows
During the winter, warm air escapes through your windows. If they aren’t sealed properly, your energy costs can rise significantly. You can combat this warm air loss by purchasing an inexpensive window sealing kit from your local hardware store. These kits typically contain caulking for window seams and a protective film that minimizes air loss.