How To Lower Heating Costs In 4 Steps

Fear not! Trying to stretch your dollar by cutting costs on your utilities doesn't mean you have to turn your comfortable crib into an Arctic asylum. Below are 4 simple-to-follow ideas that you can do today to help increase the comfort and efficiency of your home's climate control system, all without sacrificing to do it.

1. Replace your filters every season

One of the most simple ways to increase the efficiency of your heating system (and even extend its life) is to replace your filters frequently. Oft-forgotten, this simple task can save up to 10-20% on your utility bills. Just for a couple minutes work!

2. Invest in green technology (literally)

If you've ever lived in or visited the South, you know that humid air just feels warmer. And did you know that bringing plants into your home can increase humidity? Not only can this make your home look nicer, but these plants will also help to increase the comfort of your home.

3. Turn down the thermostat in small increments

Like so many other things (dieting comes to mind), the reason most of us fail to stick to a change is that we try to make changes too rapidly. Kicking down the thermostat a few degrees can help provide pretty significant savings, but doing so in one fell swoop will almost always leave one too uncomfortable to last. Instead, try turning down the thermostat just 1 degree every 2 weeks. This will allow your body to adjust much more easily, and you'll find you may not even notice the temperature change at all.

4. Use a candle to check for air leaks

A simple way to check for air leaks is to use a candle. Light a candle and hold the flame near windows, doors, and fixtures. If the smoke begins to move in a horizontal direction, you've just discovered a leak. This makes for an easy fix, with caulking or additional insulation.

By: John Coventry

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Dan King Services, a Charlotte HVAC company, provides heat pump inspections, furnace tune-ups, new system installation and aging part repair. Dan King promises 100-percent satisfaction and 5- to 10-year warranties on new equipment. Visit us now for more information.