As the winter season approaches, you may notice that your furnace bill begins to rise. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your home comfortable without blowing your budget.

Schedule a Furnace Maintenance Call

Your furnace uses a lot of energy, so it’s important to keep it operating as efficiently as possible. Having your heating system serviced before the cold temperatures arrive is one of the best ways to keep monthly bills low.

During a maintenance call, a professional technician will check for leaks, clean components, lubricate parts, and check the air filters. If any issues are found, the necessary repairs can be made now to ensure your furnace functions properly when you need it the most.

During the peak heating season, change the air filters every one to three months. Once the air filters become dirty, they reduce airflow, making the furnace work harder, which is reflected in your heating bill.

Set Your Thermostat to a Lower Temperature

You can save as much as 3% on your heating bill with each degree that you lower the thermostat setting. You can do this manually or have a programmable thermostat installed to reduce heating costs further.

A good rule of thumb is to set the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day when you’re at home. You can set it to a lower temperature while you’re sleeping. A nice perk of smart thermostats is that you can turn the temperature down remotely with your phone. When having any thermostat installed, make sure it’s placed away from drafts and direct sunlight, which can cause inaccurate readings.

Reverse the Ceiling Fans

Setting your ceiling fan to turn clockwise at the lowest speed will help circulate the warm air, making rooms feel more comfortable. For this to be most effective, make sure the blades are at a 12- to 14-degree pitch. Fans that include a reverse winter mode will adjust automatically for optimum airflow.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

Take a close look at your windows and doors. Can you see sunlight coming in around them? Do you feel drafts? Even small cracks and gaps around these areas allow cold air in during the winter season, making heating your home more expensive. Sealing those cracks with foam or exterior caulk will make keeping your house warm easier and less expensive.

Check the weather stripping around doors and windows, too. Replace it if it’s loose or cracked.

Save on Your Furnace Bill

These simple adjustments will help keep your furnace bill low during this coming winter’s heating season. For help with these and all of your furnace needs, call E Dennis AC Inc. in Newnan, GA today.