How to Save on Your Heating Bill

Winter in Arlington is rarely mild. When temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, relying on your HVAC unit is a necessity if you wish to be warm and cozy in your home. But with warmth and comfort comes the dreadful anticipation of your utility bill.

If you’re wondering why your heating bill is so high, you’re not alone. According to the Energy Information Administration, heating costs are currently at an all-time high, and you should expect your bill to increase anywhere from 10 percent to 28 percent (depending on your heating method – electric, gas or oil) compared to 2022.

Luckily, there are several things you can do to cut your heating bill during the winter months without compromising the level of comfort to which you’re accustomed.

Replace Your Furnace Filters

Replacing your furnace filters regularly helps keep your unit running efficiently and can help reduce energy costs. Conversely, dirty filters can cause the furnace to work harder, leading to higher energy bills.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Installing a smart programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, so you can keep your home cooler (and save money) when you’re away or asleep and warmer when you’re home.

If you’re like many people, you sleep under a thick blanket during winter, which provides plenty of warmth and allows you to turn down the thermostat.

Prevent Heat from Escaping Your Home

If you’ve been frugal with your heat usage but are noticing an unusual spike in you heating bill, it may be due to heat escaping your home. Adding insulation to your walls, attic and basement can help keep the heat in your home. Make sure you use the right type of insulation for Arlington’s climate and check for any air leaks before installing it.

Let in Natural Sunlight

Letting sunlight in can lower your heating bill by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat your home. Sunlight is a natural source of heat. When it enters through windows, it can help warm up a room. During the day, open curtains and blinds to let in as much sunlight as possible. This will help reduce the need for artificial heating, which can save you money on your energy bills.

Heat Only the Rooms You’re Using

If you live in a big home, chances are you have at least one room you’re not actively using. To avoid wasting money heating rooms you don’t use, consider installing a heat pump with a zoned heating system.

This type of system allows you to control the temperature in each room individually, so you can keep certain areas of your home warmer or cooler than others. You can also use programmable thermostats to set different temperatures for different times of day so that you don’t have to manually adjust the temperature every time you enter or leave a room.

Does Turning the Heat on and off Increase My Bill?

Turning the heat on and off can cause unnecessary spikes in your energy bill. When you turn the heat on and off frequently, such as before you leave your home for work and when you come back, it causes your heating system to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to higher energy costs as your system has to work extra hard and expend extra energy or fuel to heat from a large deficit and reach the desired temperature.

Additionally, when you turn the heat off, your home will cool down quickly, which can cause drafts and make it harder for your system to maintain a comfortable, consistent temperature.

Is Your HVAC System Acting Up?

If you need the heat restored in your Arlington home, contact Tom’s Mechanical, Inc. to get your furnace fixed quickly and efficiently.

Our experienced technicians are available around the clock to provide you with the best heating repair service possible. We’ll work diligently to identify the problem and offer an effective and budget-friendly solution.

To schedule service with us, call 972-388-3669.