Every winter, you find yourself cringing at the sight of your heating bill. The rest of the year it stays tolerable, but once the cooler temperatures roll around, it can double or triple in cost which is never easy on the home budget. While heating costs go up in the winter and you cannot avoid the increase, you can prevent how much the cost increases. In most cases, there are opportunities throughout your house for reducing your consumption, and lowering your winter heating bills.
Tips from Your Oakville Plumbers for Cheaper Heating this Winter
You cannot avoid turning on the heater, but you might be able to avoid how often you rely on your heater to keep your house comfortable. To lower your heating costs this winter, try a few of these insider tips:
Take Advantage of the Sun: The sun is your best source for all-natural (and free) heat. During the day, open the shades so that sunlight can come inside and heat your home, then turn down your thermostat.
Keep Your Thermostat Down: During the day when you are not home, turn down your thermostat. There is no reason to have your house warm and toasty when you are not there. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set the timer to kick on the furnace and start heating your home back up a few minutes before you get home. At night, turn down your thermostat a few degrees and use warm pyjamas and heavier blankets.
Maintain Your Heating System: A dirty and unmaintained furnace consumes more energy than a well-maintained one. In fact, if you were to change your furnace filter every two months, you can increase efficiency by 50 percent. Also, having your furnace professionally inspected and cleaned just before winter ensures it is ready for the demands of the season.
Lower Water Heater Temperatures: Another reason your gas bill increases is due to your water heater. While you might take the measures above, have you reduced the temperature on your water heater to avoid unnecessary heat consumption? Going to the warm setting (49 degrees Celsius) also prevents scalding when you turn on the hot water.
Update Your Faucet: Older faucets do not have the same water saving capabilities, and the hotter water you use, the more your water heater works to replace it; thus, increasing your heating costs. Consider upgrading your faucets to the latest water-saving models.
Replace Your Water Heater: Depending on how old your water heater is, replacing it could lower your heating bills. A water heater older than ten years drains your electric and gas bills. If replacing, consider an on-demand gas water heater, which only uses gas when it is needed; so, you do not have unnecessary heat consumption.
If you would like to save on your heating costs this year, speak with your Oakville plumbers at Pitton Plumbing, and let us see how we can help. We can help you with updating your faucets, replacing, and servicing your water heater, and offer money-saving tips so that you spend less on your hot water and heating this year. Get on the right track for saving money this winter by having your plumber in Oakville from Pitton Plumbing come and service your home. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 1-800-499-4184. Also, feel free to contact us online.