Home Energy Saving Tips For Heating Season

Fall is in full swing here in New Jersey, with peak colors arriving all over The Garden State. So far, it’s been a relatively warm early autumn – but soon, temperatures will be dropping, and heating bills will be rising.

Want to keep those bills as low as possible?

7 Energy Saving Tips For Winter

1. Grab that solar heat – Keep curtains open in sun-facing windows to take in radiant solar heat during the day, then close them once the sun goes down to retain that heat. Consider installing insulated, dark-colored window treatments during the cold weather months, replacing light, reflective summer treatments.
2. Learn how to use your thermostat – Nearly nine of ten thermostat owners aren’t using the programming capabilities of the unit to their advantage – which is a shame considering it can save you as much as 10 percent on your heating bill. Take some time and learn this fall and learn how to use your thermostat properly. If you don’t have a programmable or smart thermostat, install one – the investment could pay for itself in as little as a season or two.
3. Weatherize – More than 20 percent of the air you paid to heat could be escaping through leaks under windows and doors, around plumbing penetrations and chimneys, and in other places throughout your home (including your ductwork). A small investment in simple measures like caulk, weather stripping, and plastic window covers will more than pay for itself over the course of the heating season.
4. Add insulation – Most New Jersey homes (especially older ones) are not insulated to recommended R-values. Adding insulation in your exterior walls, crawlspaces, basement and attic is one of the best bang-for-the-buck energy-saving moves you can make in your house.
5. Check / change your furnace air filter regularly – A clogged air filter can make your furnace overwork to heat your home, which will raise your bills and leave your heating system more vulnerable to breakdowns. Check your air filter once a month during winter, replacing or cleaning it as needed (depending on the model).
6. Service your equipment – An annual tune-up keeps your heating system running at peak efficiency and reduces the likelihood of repairs; it will also keep your warranty coverage in effect (hint: annual preventative maintenance is included in Dixon Energy Service Plans – along with priority service, repair discounts, and more).
7. Replace older heating equipment – A boiler or furnace can last as long as 20 years, but that doesn’t mean you should keep it that long. A 15-year-old heating system could be operating at 60 percent efficiency – a far cry from the efficiency performance of modern models, which can reach the upper 90s. Saving 35 cents per gallon of fuel adds up pretty quickly – often quickly enough to cover the replacement cost of the equipment in just a few years, especially when you factor in rebates and other specials.

Considering an upgrade for your furnace or boiler, or need professional heating service in NJ? We can help. Contact Dixon Energy today to learn more!