High energy bills can come as a surprise in the winter. In our service area, air conditioners see a lot more use than heaters. When temperatures drop, homeowners might feel relieved as bills start to lower as well—until the heater becomes more and more of a necessity.

You don’t have to turn the heater off to save money. Go through our checklist of ways you can reduce energy costs so that you feel comfortable for less throughout the new year.

• Turn down the thermostat. An efficient temperature recommended by the Department of Energy is about 68°F. Most people do not need the temperature to be any higher than this. And setting the thermostat as high as it can go is never recommended. This will not warm up the home any faster, and will only wear down your heater quickly.
• Seal air leaks at the exterior of the home. Holes in exterior walls can be found anywhere pipes and cables enter your home. If there are gaps around water pipes, drain pipes, gas lines, and electrical cables, seal these up with caulk or, more effectively, expanding foam.
• Check doorways. If you can see light through the door ways, you are losing heat. Replace worn weather stripping around doors and add weather stripping or caulk as needed.
• Change filters. Monthly air filter changes keep airflow moving properly throughout the home and keep your heating system from becoming overworked. This is a task you should never skip, even if it seems minor to you!
• Make sure your home has enough insulation. Consider an energy audit to find out where there may be inadequate insulation in the attic, in crawlspaces, or around ducts. Insulation slows the transfer of heat, which means it can help you year-round—keeping heat in the home in the winter and preventing heat from moving indoors in the summer.
• Let the sun in. Open curtains and blinds in south-facing windows during the daytime only. Close them at night to prevent drafts.
• Don’t lose energy through the fireplace. Make sure the damper in the fireplace is shut when you are not using it. This is a common area for heat to move right back out of the house as you use the furnace.
• Schedule a maintenance appointment. Regular maintenance appointments for your heater keep it running smoothly—and safely. You can keep your energy costs lower by keeping up on this valuable service.

Call GSM Services today for Home Performance Services in Gastonia, Charlotte, Belmont, Mount Holly, Huntersville, Cornelius, Stanley, Kings Mountain, Shelby, Lincolton NC, York, Clover, Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, SC. Leave the comfort to us!